Julianne McNamara (USA
Tribute courtesy of Larry
For a detailed listing of McNamara's results, please visit Gymn Forum's McNamara Biography
Julianne's competitive career
started with a bang in 1979, when she placed sixth overall at the
Junior U.S. National Championships. In 1980, Julianne and her
clubmate, Tracee Talavera, were named to the U.S. Olympic team.
Sadly, due to the U.S. boycott of the Moscow Olympic Games,
neither got the chance the compete.
Despite the disappointment,
neither she nor Talavera retired. Both pressed on and continually
improved their gymnastics. In 1980, Julianne became the U.S.
National Champion. Julianne would never repeat this feat,
finishing fourth the following year and second the next three
years (1982 - Tracee Talavera, 1983 - Dianne Durham, and 1984 - Mary
Lou Retton). Although she could not regain the AA title, she was
often the top U.S. finisher at international meets (e.g., 1981
and 1983 World Championships).
Julianne’s greatest
achievements came on the uneven bars, where she medalled at
several international competitions (including a bronze medal at
the 1981 World Championships). Known worldwide for her superb bar
work, scoring perfect 10's in numerous competitions, she reached
the pinnacle of success at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
There, she and China’s great Ma Yanhong shared the gold
medal on the uneven bars.
The Olympics was where she ended
her competitive career, but according to Tribute to the 80's website
she did not officially retire until 1987. Following her
retirement, Julianne enrolled at UCLA.
She has since had roles in
several movies and a TV series (most notably a role in the
mid-to-late 80’s show Charles in Charge”). In addition,
Julianne has provided commentary for various networks. She worked
for NBC at the 1988 and 1992 Olympics, and has provided
commentary for CBS for their collegiate gymnastics broadcasts and
for ESPN’s cheerleading championships.
In 1989, Julianne
married Todd Zeile. At the time, Todd was playing for the
St. Louis Cardinals, but he then played for both the L.A. Dodgers and
Texas Rangers. He currently plays for the New York Mets. While Todd is away at baseball training camps or games,
Julianne stays home (in Los Angeles) to take care of
things at home, most notably their two children - Garret
4 and Hannah 2. By all accounts, the couple is very approachable and are both
well respected in the community. They are both active in
the Special Olympics, golf tournaments and other charity
causes.
. This page was created on August 28, 1999 and last updated on April 2, 2000.
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