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FIGURE SKATING: Tanith Belbin and Maxim Zavozin Sworn in as U.S. Citizens
// Lindsay DeWall // December 31, 2005
Colorado Springs, Colo. (Dec. 31, 2005) U.S. ice dancers Tanith Belbin and Maxim Zavozin became U.S. citizens over the last two days, and they are now eligible to represent the United States at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. Belbin and her partner, Ben Agosto, are the reigning World ice dancing silver medalists and U.S. champions. Zavozin and his partner, Morgan Matthews, are the reigning World Junior ice dancing champions and placed fifth at the 2005 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships.We (Ben and I) feel it is our time to shine, and now we can make the most of this as we try to qualify for the Olympic Games, Belbin said. I have lived here (in the United States) for so long, and this was the last piece of the puzzle. I really feel that I have found my place here. Some of the greatest moments of my life were while I lived here, and now I feel complete. The bill containing a provision regarding citizenship for aliens of extraordinary ability, which pertains to Belbin and Zavozin, was signed by President Bush on Friday, Dec. 30. Zavozin was sworn in as a U.S. citizenship in Fairfax, Va., on Friday. Belbin was sworn in as a U.S. citizen at the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) office in Detroit, Mich., this morning. They both received their certificates of naturalization. It feels great, Zavozin said. I dont think I have fully realized what has happened yet! It is a big excitement for me, that I can actually qualify and go to the Olympics now. I love the U.S. and am proud to be a U.S. citizen. I want to thank everyone who was involved in helping me get my citizenship. I am very thankful; this is just amazing. The provision included in the bill signed by President Bush provides Zavozin, Belbin and others in their situation the benefit of immigration rules that have changed since they began their citizenship efforts in 1998 and 2000, respectively. In 2002, CIS changed the rules to allow individuals in their situation to apply for their green card and visa at the same time, rather than the 18-24 month wait. Belbin and Agosto, and Matthews and Zavozin, will compete at the 2006 U.S. Championships in St. Louis, Mo., Jan. 8-15. The 2006 U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team will be named, pending USOC approval, on Jan. 15. The 2006 Olympic Winter Games are Feb. 10-26. St. Louis will be a great competition, Belbin said. Ben and I are planning on laying down great programs. I am so happy that so many U.S. ice dancers have gained citizenship, so that we can all compete from the same plane. We all have the chance to qualify for the Olympic Games and make the best possible U.S. Team. MEDIA NOTE: Belbin and Agosto will be available on a teleconference call Tuesday, Jan. 3, at 4 p.m. EST. Members of the media are welcome to call in at the number provided below. TANITH BELBIN & BEN AGOSTO TELECONFERENCE When: Tuesday, Jan. 3 4 p.m. EST Bio: www.usfigureskating.org/AthletePairBio.asp?id=18447 Call-in Number: (517) 267-0146 Participant Code: 122-179 U.S. Figure Skating U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 585 member clubs representing nearly 160,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States, including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.
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