Lifeskatedotcom's video: Tai Babilonia NYC interview March 2010

Tai Babilonia turned 50 last week! Why is that significant? Well, in addition to 50 being a milestone age in anyone's life, Tai was completely reinventing herself while turning 50. For those asking, "Great name, who is she?" Tai is a legend in the US figure skating circle -- With pairs partner Randy Gardner, Tai and Randy won the US Championships five times and also won the 1979 World Championships. They were a leading contender to win Olympic gold in Lake Placid in 1980 before withdrawing when Randy hurt himself during a warmup. After turning pro shortly thereafter, they headlined a ton of ice shows and were the picture of happiness and perfection. Unbeknownst to the public, Tai was struggling with drugs, alcohol, a suicide attempt and an eating disorder. She bounced back and is now focusing on a variety of projects. Back to the reinventing part -- A few years years ago, Tai moved from Los Angeles where she had been all her life, to Ashland, Oregon. She said she removed herself from the stress of LA and in calm and peaceful Ashland, started coaching a little and continuing to devote her time to a line of skatewear called the Tai Collection. I believe her teenage son remained back in LA as he was attending school and was seriously into tennis. She also turned vegan, or vegetarian or something -- she's into animal rights bottom line. In fact, last November, on behalf of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), she railed against people wearing fur by skating around Rockefeller Rink almost nude holding a No Fur sign. Earlier this year, she was in NYC so I had a chance to catch up her latest endeavors and that is our interview posted here. Enjoy! See complete coverage of Tai Babilonia at: http://www.lifeskate.com/skate/tai-babilonia/