Tanith Belbin
Tanith Belbin
Tanith Jessica Louise Belbin Whiteis a Canadian-American ice dancer. Though born in Canada, she holds dual citizenship and has competed for the United States since she began skating with Benjamin Agosto in 1998. With Agosto, Belbin is the 2006 Olympic silver medalist, four-time World medalist, three-time Four Continents champion, and five-time U.S. champion...
ProfessionFigure Skater
Date of Birth10 July 1984
CityKingston, Canada
add additional athletes attention medal pressure seems
I think all athletes here, and U.S. athletes in particular, have additional pressure to add to that medal count. It seems like there's so much attention to the podium.
cautious preparing
Being sick, we were a little cautious preparing for this event.
both canada canadian decision everybody extremely eye follow full received special supportive team toward
Canada has always been extremely supportive of me. Thankfully, when I made the move, I had full support of everybody back home. It does feel special to be a part of both countries. I do follow the Canadian team as well and keep an eye on them. I have not, honestly, received one (negative) letter, one word, nothing toward my decision to become an American citizen.
fact next
I know for a fact it will not take another 30 years for the next medal.
calm competition dance emotions exciting fully realize
I really don't think we've really, fully experienced all the emotions we will once we calm down and realize what we've accomplished. I think this is the most exciting dance competition I've ever been a part of and some of us have ever seen.
emotional felt glad home knowing opening sitting turned watching
In 2002, I was sitting at home watching the opening ceremonies, not knowing how emotional it would be knowing I could have been there. I turned it off pretty quick. I don't know what it would have felt like if we'd had to do it again. I'm glad we don't.
ceremonies games harder home ignored opening quick realizing sitting turned watching
In 2002 I was sitting at home watching the Opening Ceremonies and, realizing I could have been there, it was pretty emotional, much harder that I thought it would be. I turned the Games off pretty quick and pretty much ignored them.
asked border cross
For the first time, I was able to cross the border and when I was asked my citizenship, I could say American. That was exciting.
imagine sitting
I don't think we could imagine sitting another one out.
contain created energy itself team themselves within
The energy the U.S. team created within itself was really amazing. No one really could contain themselves anymore.