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05/23/2007 Archived Entry: "Wife of Contender Star, Gary "Tiger" Balletto To Compete in Mrs. America Pageant"
Wife of Contender Star, Gary "Tiger" Balletto To Compete in Mrs. America Pageant
Christina Balletto crowned Mrs. Rhode Island
CRANSTON, RI - The spotlight shifted last Sunday night from popular Cranston boxer Gary "Tiger" Balletto to his wife, Christina, who was selected as the 2007 Mrs. Rhode Island. She will represent Rhode Island at the nationally televised Mrs. America Pageant on September 6 in Tucson, Arizona.
"Tiger," former IBU lightweight champion, recently retired from the ring with a 31-3-2 (26 KOs) pro record. He starred in The Contender (Season 2) reality television series on ESPN as well as in the acclaimed documentary, "Sweet Dreams." Christina, 30, appeared in both the television show and movie along with their children Gary (12), Hailey (8) and Aiden (21 months).
Christina, who graduated with a degree in legal studies from the Katherine Gibbs School, is a realtor for ReMax 1st Choice of Cranston. She inherited her beauty, intelligence and talent from her mother, Hildi Horig, the 1975 Miss USA.
Christina and Gary enjoyed a reversal of roles this time around. She had been in Gary's shadow during his boxing career.
"I was in shock," she said about hearing her name announced as the new Mrs. Rhode Island. "I've never won a pageant before. I was used to being the runner-up. I didn't know what to do and just jumped up and down. I am ecstatic. It really feels great. I had been training for this since December. Gary was my backbone, forcing me to go to the gym when I didn't want to, building my confidence and helping me as much as he could. He was my backbone."
Gary enjoyed being in Christina's shadow, leading family and friends at the pageant inside of the Alpine Country Club in Cranston. "I was so excited she won," he explained. "I wanted the spotlight to be on her for a change. I know she's always been in my shadow. She always supported me and now I'm thrilled to be supporting here. There was stiff competition, too. It was a great birthday present for me (Gary turned 32 yesterday). I'm a lucky guy."
