Tabitha Yim
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Tabitha Yim (born November 2, 1985 in Los Angeles) of Korean American descent, is a former United States Women's Artistic Gymnastics elite. Touted as a junior international elite to watch for her expressive dance and strong balance beam performances, Tabitha quickly progressed as one of the major gymnasts in the 2001-2004 gymnastics squad. In her first major senior competition (where she was coached by Beth and Steve Rybacki of Gliders), 2001 U.S. Nationals, she placed second to 2000 Olympic Team squad member, Tasha Schwikert. Her runner-up placement secured her a spot on the World Team, occurring in Ghent, Belgium, where she placed 7th in the AA competition, and 6th in the FX finals. A fall on the balance beam in preliminary team competition cost her a position in the balance beam final, where she was a legitimate contender for a medal. The United States gymnastics team won a bronze. Many had disregarded the team's chances even though every single member of the 2001 WAG World Team made an event final (Katie Heenan went on to win bronze on the uneven bars). Tabitha's team bronze at World's 2001 would be the last major international medal she would receive as injuries would hamper and cut short her elite career.
Out for most of 2002 with a series of lower body injuries, Tabitha returned to 2002 Nationals with just two weeks of full training. Considered to be a legitimate contender for a world team position, Tabitha garnered a consecutive runner-up All-Around placement, second once again to Tasha Schikert. However, an injury post-nationals sidelined her from the 2002 World Event Finals team, where she could have contended on balance beam and floor exercise for medals.
Out for most of 2003 with a series of injuries again, Tabitha did not compete at 2003 Nationals and missed out on qualifying for the 2003 World team which went on to win the team gold. Tabitha did return in time for compete in the Olympic Year. At nationals, she placed a resurgent 7th in the AA, which would place her within striking distance of the Olympic Team. At the Olympic Trials, Tabitha continued in her bid to become an Olympic Team member with an electrifying 4th place AA performance, a performance many have argued would have placed her on the team. However, with a lengthy selection process, her selection will always be in doubt. Just prior to the closed door Olympic Selection Training Camp, Tabitha sustained a serious Achilles tendon injury that put her Olympic aspirations on hold.
In addition to her gymnastics activities, Tabitha is a skilled figure skater and an accomplished musician; she plays both flute and organ, and she has served as an organist at the Crystal Cathedral as early as age 14. She is currently an NCAA gymnast, competing for Stanford.
