News

04/02/08 -

Hi everyone! I really wish I had a way to thank all of you. All of your support means so much to me. I can't believe how well this year went and you all were a huge part of it. I think of you guys every time I perform and I can feel you all with me. The love around the world this year was amazing, and my Angels are the base of all that. I wish I could thank all of you in person but I haven't mastered the ability of being in more than one place at one time yet! I am sorry to say I won't be performing too much in the States this Spring, but I hope to meet a lot of new Angels in Japan and perhaps South Korea , Russia , Azerbaijan , the Czech Republic and some of Eastern Europe . My show schedule isn't confirmed yet because we're still in negotiations so keep your fingers crossed I'll get to perform a lot! Thank you all so much. I hope Johnny's Angels will be with me until the end. I can't say it enough, THANK YOU!

06/13/07 -

Hello to my Angels! I hope you're all enjoying summer so far. Things with me have been hectic. The tour ended on a high note. I skated great for the majority of the shows and felt really good about the tour in general. I'm off to Japan tomorrow to perform in Champions On Ice Japan .

By now I'm sure many of you know about my coaching situation. Honestly I'd been thinking of making a change for some time now and realized it was the time to do it. It was extremely difficult to break the news to Priscilla. In the last ten years I've spent more time with her than my own mother and it hurt me a lot to do this to her. Priscilla is an amazing coach and person and we parted on mutual terms. I realized last season that she couldn't push me as hard as I needed because we both know how to work each other’s nerves. We were just too close for a healthy working relationship.

I have never been a big fan of those skaters that change coaches every few seasons so for me to make a change, it was definitely needed. I am excited to start working with Galina Zmievskaya. I think at this point in my career I don't need much, I just need someone to light a fire under me and make me work which Galina has promised to do. I chose Galina because of her knowledge as a coach and because she has many resources for the new system and for training. I will miss Priscilla, but we are still on decent terms and I know I always have a friend to call when I need her.

Before people start gossiping about my intentions with my new coach and why I left Priscilla I will say this - you don't understand anything about it unless you're me. There was no falling out, there was no drama. I left THE BEST coach in America for a change of pace and new outlook, much like I did when I used to go to Tatyana Anatolievna Tarasova. I have a lot of respect for Priscilla and my relationship with her and I don't want people spreading rumors and lies. She is the best, we just got too close and I realized it's hard to train with your "mother" every day. That's that.

02/12/07 - Johnny regrets that he will not be able to skate in Tatiana Tarasova's Jubilee in Moscow, and sends a message to his fan:.

"Hello everybody. I am very sad to say that I will not go to Moscow to perform in the Tatiana Tarasova Jubilee show on 13 February 2007. I have been planning on performing in the show for Tatiana Anatolievna's birthday since December. I was very sad to find out that I wouldn't go. Due to new policies within my federation, I am unable to perform. Everyone tried their best to get me to Moscow, but it isn't fair to treat me differently than the other skaters on the US team. I am very sorry to all of my fans who have bought tickets to the show. I wish I could perform for you, but I suppose we will have to wait. Thank you for your support and for supporting Tatiana Anatolievna's show. Please enjoy the show and wish Tatiana Anatolievna a happy birthday from me. I will be in Russia as soon as I can to perform for you all. Spasibo, spasibo, spasibo! -Johnny"

11/03/06 - Kristina Ziegler reports on Johnny's practice session yesterday at Skate Canada:

"Johnny looked relaxed and confident. He was wearing the same black practice costume with his name in Hebrew in turquoise letters down his right arm. His hair was long, curly, and fluffy. The men in this practice had the choice to do either their SP or FS; Johnny chose to do his SP. He went through all his jumps and worked on the quad for a while until he landed a nice one. He was the last skater to have his music played tonight, so when it was his turn he blocked it out on the ice rather than putting the jumps in. The main word that comes to my mind about this practice was SPEED and ice coverage, more than any skater I saw today."

10/15/06 - Johnny debuted his new short program, King of Chess, at Campbell's Cup, earning a score of 78.61. The program, choreographed by Marina Anissina, features intricate footwork with sharp movements, showing a different side of Johnny's skating.

06/05/06 - Johnny sends a message to his fans:

"Hi Guys-

Thank you all so much for the success of the websites and for the message board. I also wanted to thank all of you who have come or are planning to come to Champions On Ice. Tomorrow I'll begin working on a new show program that I will choreograph myself. I am getting bored just doing 'My Way' so I wanted to change it up a little bit. I have selected music for my free program and it's Persian. Tatiana Anatolievna Tarasova will choreograph my short program and Marina Anissina will choreograph my free program. Tour is going well and life too. I get tired of course, but I love performing for everybody and my response on the tour has been wonderful. I am taking a check on my shopping habits so I can afford a house soon, so don't expect any wild purchases!

Hmm...what else? I didn't go the White House visit with the rest of the Olympians due to "personal obligations" :). Things are going well. Everyone is getting along pretty well on the tour and we're excited for Arakawa and Lambiel to join. I'll try to keep everyone up to date. I'm very happy and enjoying life, so no worries! I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying Spring.

Much love,
Johnny"

02/19/06 - Johnny was featured on Olympic Ice on the USA Network, hosting a segment called "Weir Eye for the Skate Guy," which provided commentary on figure skating fashion. Johnny also closed the show with Dick Button.

01/18/06 - Johnny is ditching his free program and returning to Otonal. "I watched the video of my free program from Saint Louis and although I landed all my jumps, I had no connection to the audience or music. I was bored watching myself," said Johnny. He and Priscilla have already updated Otonal and are confident it will be ready for Torino.

01/14/06 - Johnny won his 3rd straight National title! Read about it in the Press section, and check out the new pictures in the Photos section.

12/11/05 - Johnny won the Marshalls US Figure Skating Challenge today. This unique event was not an ISU-sanctioned competition, but rather a showcase for some of the top skating talent in the US that could have been dubbed "American Idol on Skates." The panel of "judges" consisted of veterans Peggy Fleming, Peter Carruthers and Dick Button. But while each of these three assessed the skaters and gave their feedback on the performances, the outcome of the event was determined by audience voting.

For the first round, Johnny skated against Michael Weiss, Timothy Goebel and Matt Savoie, using his Unchained Melody exhibition number. Johnny stepped out of his triple lutz, but delivered a beautifully flowing program that garnered 32% of the total audience vote, to place him first. As a result, he then moved on to the final round to skate again against Michael Weiss, who had received the 2nd highest number of votes in the first round.

For the second round, Johnny combined a few blasts from the past by skating his 1999 -2001 exhibition number to 'What a Wonderful World,' while wearing his costume from his old 'Imagine' number. He skated the program with confidence and grace, earning 64% of the audience's votes for a resounding win. Congratulations, Johnny!

11/07/05 - Tickets for the Marshalls US Figure Skating Challenge go on sale today.

11/04/05 - Johnny has a message of thanks for his fans:

"Hi everybody! I want to thank anyone who has supported me in the past months. I have gotten so many e-mails with love and sympathy and it really means the world to me. I am only human so I won't get to all the e-mails right away, but from the bottom of my heart I wanted to thank you. It has been a very rough time, and I know how many people are behind me and my pursuits. So, this is just a temporary thing until I've written out all 347 e-mails, but thank you! I can't wait for Cup of Russia."

11/03/05 - US Figure Skating is reporting that Johnny has been cleared to resume training following his ankle injury at Skate Canada. Article.

10/30/05 - Johnny injured his ankle landing the opening jump of his LP at Skate Canada. Remarkably, he finished his program but for obvious reasons was not able to skate all of his planned elements.   He received medical treatment after leaving the Kiss & Cry area and was later seen at his hotel in a cast and crutches. He is believed to have a sprain, and will be flying home today to obtain further medical care. Get well soon, Johnny. :-(

(There are a few article in the Press section that discuss Johnny's injury.)

10/27/05 - Johnny debuted his new SP to Saint-Saen's The Swan at Skate Canada, earning 70.25 points to place 2nd in a field of 11 talented competitors.

10/10/05 - Johnny has regretfully cancelled his planned appearance at An Evening with Champions due to his health. We'll miss Johnny at the show, and hope that he recuperates quickly.

9/8/05 - Johnny will be participating in the Japan International Challenge in Tokyo on October 1. Johnny's scheduled competitors are currently Nobunari Oda, Daisuke Takahashi, Takeshi Honda, and Jeff Buttle. Evgeny Plushenko was invited but will not be participating, so there is one more slot to be filled. (Update - Chienjiang Li will fill Plushenko's spot. What a great line up!)

8/30/05 - Writer and illustrator Sarah Brannen is working on a biography of Johnny, aimed at 8 to 12-year-olds. The book will tell the story of Johnny's early riding days, how he taught himself to skate, his rapid rise through US Figure Skating and his recovery from major setbacks. Sarah has been working very closely with Johnny and the book will be an inside look at the life of a top competitor. The book will be illustrated with watercolors and photographs. The release date is not yet finalized.

8/16/05 - Johnny announced his music changes in Spotlight on Skating. His short program will still be skated to Saint-Saen's The Swan, but he's changing his free skate music from Franz Lizst's Liebestraum to a selection of pieces by the Croatian pianist, Maksim Mrvica - Amazonic, Hana’s Eyes, and Wonderland.

7/26/05 - There will be a number of opportunities to catch Johnny skating in person over the next few months. In addition to the Sun Valley Ice Show and An Evening with Champions (see below), Johnny will be exhibiting at the Hampton Roads IcePlex, in Hampton, Virginia, on August 5th. He will also be competing at the Campbell's International Figure Skating Classic in St. Paul, Minnesota on October 8th.

7/15/05 Johnny is confirmed to skate in the Sun Valley Ice Show in Sun Valley, Idaho on August 13th. Sun Valley's outdoor rink nestled in the majestic mountains will no doubt provide a breathtaking background for Johnny's skating.

Johnny will also be skating in An Evening with Champions in Boston, Massachusetts on October 14 and 15. This wonderful event is a benefit for The Dana-Farber Institute's Jimmy Fund, which funds pediatric cancer research and treatment. First organized by former US National Champion, John Misha Petkevich, and fellow student residents at Harvard University's Eliot House, An Evening with Champions is now an annual tradition entering its 36th year that has raised over $2.2 million since its inception.

6/17/05 Johnny has sent a message from CT. "Hi Everyone! I hope everything is going well with your summers. I moved to Avon, CT on May 24. My mom helped me move up and things were well. I started skating a week later and Tatiana and I have chosen music and began choreography. I will be skating to "The Swan" by Camille Saint-Saens for the short program and "Liebestraum" by Franz Liszt for the free program. We're working hard on making all the steps and spins a level four so I have those bonus points. Things are going really well and I'm happy to be back in my second home. I look forward to doing a new interview soon so you guys can ask me some questions and give me thoughts on the new music! I hope all is well. Love Johnny."

5/18/05 The ISU has published Grand Prix assignments for the 2005/2006 season. Johnny will be competing at Skate Canada (hosted in St. John's, Newfoundland) and Cup of Russia (hosted in St. Petersburg). Check out the official ISU GP entrants list to see who Johnny's competition will be.

5/01/05 The Champions on Ice tour wrapped up in Anaheim. Johnny will be using the month of May to catch up on his life and prepare to move to Simsbury, CT for the summer, to once again train with Tatiana Tarasova.

3/25/05 Johnny began his tour with Champions on Ice. Skating in 23 cities across the US, Johnny will be skating to The Jackson Five's "Dancing Machine" in the opening number and will skate his "Unchained Melody" exhibition number in the second half of the show.

3/17/05 Johnny placed 6th in the free skate at 2005 Worlds, with less than one point separating places 3 through 6, to finish 4th overall. Summing up his week in Moscow, Johnny said, “More than anything I am just proud of myself that I got through all three phases of the competition. I didn't totally embarrass myself. I think now I am finally a true champion. Skating is very hard for me right now. Going into the competition knowing I am not perfect is very difficult for me. I did the best I could and that is all I ask for right now.” Article

3/15/05 Still bothered by his foot injury, Johnny placed 9th in the short program at 2005 Worlds. Article

3/14/05 Johnny has skated in the qualifying round at 2005 Worlds with an injured foot and finished 6th. He has a recurring injury to the ball of his left foot that flared up on Sunday. He needed cortisone shots in the foot to be able to skate. Article

3/3/05 Johnny has a new exhibition program that he will debut at Worlds. He describes it "The program is very nice and about never seeing the person you love ever again. It's sad and beautiful, the song is haunting. Nikolai Karachinsov (the artist) was in a car accident this week and is in a coma, so if I make the exhibition it will be a tribute to him".

Music Name: Yunona E Avoyc
Performed By: Nikolai Karachinsov
Choreographed By: Oleg Ovsiyannikov, Anjelika Kirchmeier

1/15/05 Johnny successfully defended his US National Title Results Article More Articles

1/13/05 Johnny placed second in the SP at Nationals

12/19/04 Two new articles Weir's Breakout Year Weir's focus clear after dizzying month

12/06/04 Johnny has withdrawn from the GP Final due to injury Article

11/27/04 Johnny finished 2nd at COR Results

11/20/04 Johnny won his 2nd GP event at Trophee Eric Bompard Results

11/07/04 Johnny won his first GP medal by finishing first at NHK Trophy Results Article

7/7/04   I had a fantastic birthday. I got my hair done a new shade of chocolate, and essentially got a makeover on it. It's a little shorter, a bit edgier cut, but nothing drastic. I also went shopping on Newbury Street but I have to admit I had and have a terrible cold.

6/10/04 Johnny's Grand Prix assignments are NHK Trophy, Trophee Lalique and Cup of Russia.

6/9/04 Johnny's music for this season is SP - "Rondo Capriccioso" by Camille Saint-Saens and FS - "Otonal" by Raul DiBlasio

6/01/04 Johnny's coach, Priscilla Hill, has been named coach of the year by the USFSA Story

5/22/04 "Hmm...as far as news goes I will be moving to Simsbury on June 1 and staying until September 1. I have an apartment all lined up and I'm very excited for some much needed solitude and standing on my own. I'm going car shopping next week which will be fun I'm sure. I'll give a teaser of my music, until I know that these are the definite two pieces. The short is a classic piece by Saint-Saens and the long is a very powerful, dramatic emotional piano piece. Everything is tentative of course. I think the programs will be excellent. They're still in the skeletal stage, but already are more impressive than last years programs (In my opinion).

I'll have an article in Blades Magazine sometime in the summer, I recently did an interview with Marge Reynolds. Next month I'll be on the cover of Skating Magazine as well."

5/19/04 Johnny will be on the cover of the Jun/Jul issue of Skating Magazine. He will also be appearing at an ice show in Sun Valley on July 24th

1/26/04 Johnny will be having having a professional photo shoot in New York on February 4th

1/10/04 Johnny is the new US National Champion! Article

1/8/04 Johnny is off to a great start at Nationals. He won the SP Results

1/3/04 Johnny will be skating in a show called Winter Ice Spectacular in Elmira, NY on January 18th More info

7/29/03 Johnny's music for the SP is "Valse Triste" by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius . The program was choreographed by Tatiana Tarasova

7/7/03 Johnny has been in Simsbury for about a week and things seem to be going well. Here is what he has to say.

We actually haven't started my short program yet. We are still looking for the perfect music. I have been skating an awful lot and been experiencing new techniques that are already showing results. In the morning practice we do stroking and jump exercises with limited jumping. We also work on spins. The afternoon practice is more intense and we work on jumps, spins and programs. I have been running my long program quite successfully and my quads are coming back after a few minor equipment setbacks last month. I love working with Tatiana, it's very motivating. Also, skating with Sasha and Andrei has really improved my work ethic and confidence. We are also now working with a strength coach, from Russia, who has been so far, very helpful. :)

5/31/03 Johnny will be moving to Connecticut for the summer to train under famed coach, Tatiana Tarasova. He is extremely excited about the move, and the chance to work with Tarasova, and also skate with other high level athletes like Sasha Cohen and Andrei Griazev. The main focus for the summer will be Johnny's new short program, to yet undecided music, and to work on his jump technique. His coach, Priscilla Hill will not be accompanying Johnny to Connecticut, but Johnny will resume work with her in September

News Articles and Excerpts

2004 Cup 0f Russia

Twin Cities Pioneer Press 11/27/04

Russian Evgeni Plush-enko, the three-time world champion, and American Johnny Weir both fell during the men's short program, but still occupied the top two positions at the Cup of Russia figure skating competition Friday in Moscow.

Weir won last week's Trophee Bompard in Paris and the NHK Trophy earlier this season. Skating right after Plushenko, he completed a triple axel and triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, but fell on his last jump, a flip.

The mistake did not spoil the impression of his elegant program to music by Saint-Saens, choreographed by famed coach Tatiana Tarasova. He earned 71.25 points compared to Plushenko's 74.95.

2004 World Championships

Eurosport 3/23/04
MESMERIZING! This could be the new superstar of the sport! JOHNNY WEIR puts on a stunning show. So composed, so prepared. Absolutely giddy choreography -- stunning ballet-influenced footwork. Will the judges give the young American the marks he deserves? Here we go... He's into first, but the judges just didn't have the guts to go all the way... He deserved more, but will likely fall down the ranks as the night continues

Baltimore Sun 3/24/04
After a shaky start earlier this week, U.S. champion Weir pulled himself together yesterday and skated a flowing and error-free short program.

Weir, 19, whose glaring weakness is his lack of a reliable quadruple jump, hit all his required elements in the short program, including four triples. He finished in fourth place in the short program, finding it better to skate later in the day after his morning qualifications.
"Much better," Weir said. "Late night definitely works better than morning. I was really comfortable with everything I was doing and I had a really good time, which was really nice."
His triple lutz-triple toe loop was smooth, and his overall program was elegant. His change-foot sit spin was one of the best of the night, low and fast.

US Nationals 2004

Earlier in the day, the men's event produced a surprise champion with unlimited potential. Johnny Weir, 19, was lithe, limber, and light-footed. He didn't look or sound anything like your run-of-the-mill American male skater.
Weir completed eight fluid triple jumps in a delightful long program, performed in an outrageous periwinkle costume. "An icicle on Coke," Weir described the costume, comparing it to soda foaming out of a can.
His upset triumph assured, Weir kissed his hand and patted center ice, doubly thankful. The Newark, Del., resident hadn't captured a meaningful championship since world juniors in 2001, and had suffered some serious competitive setbacks.
"I'm very pleased I was able to come back and shut everybody up," Weir said.
Weir, the most surprising winner at nationals since Rudy Galindo in 1996, had melted down at this same event last year, dropping out during a bizarre long program. He injured himself then on an inexplicable tumble into the boards during simple footwork, then again on a jump. "I freaked out," he said.
Weir skipped competitions and stopped following the sport entirely. He was forced to qualify through eastern sectionals this year. Yesterday, he put such humiliations out of his mind.
"I completely went into my own little world," he said. "I was on vacation in Atlanta."

Weir, the youngest U.S. champ since Todd Eldredge in 1991, has a greater upside than any American man since Brian Boitano. The judges rewarded him with one 6.0 for artistry, and a dozen 5.9s. His coach, Priscilla Hill, said he would add a quad jump for worlds.
The victory means Weir will soon earn hundreds of thousands of dollars from tours.
"Hopefully, I won't let it get to me at all," Weir said. "I don't want to be jaded by money."

NY Daily News 01/11/04

There was no way this guy was going to skate a clean program now, right? But Weir proved his naysayers wrong, landing eight triples with a lightness and a flow unmatched in the competition. He opened with a seamless triple axel-triple toe loop and appeared to float across the ice, smoothly landing each element as it came along. Not once did he seem off-balance. Within four and a half minutes, Weir exorcised the Dallas demons

Amy Rosewater Washington Post 1/10/04

Weir was technically solid, with a huge triple lutz-triple toe combination. His change-foot sit-spin was exceptional. His spins were so fast and tight he probably drilled a hole in the ice, and he upped the difficulty by changing upper-body positions

Nancy Armour AP 1/8/04

On a night when the reigning Olympic bronze medalist imploded, earning scores normally reserved for novices, a 19-year-old who collects French lithographs won the men's short program Thursday night at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Philips Arena. Johnny Weir of Coatesville, Pa., outperformed a field that included two-time world silver medalist Tim Goebel, who had his worst performance in years. But Weir wasn't surprised by his own finish. "I think I skated well and I deserve to be where I am," he said. Weir has been in a high position at nationals before. Last season, he was second after the short program but suffered a knee injury in a freakish fall during the long and withdrew.
Jo Ann Barnas Detroit Free Press 1/9/04

Weir gets Best Performance Award,
moves to Simsbury to train with Tarasova

Johnny Weir has been awarded the "Best Men's Peformance -- Nationals 2003" by the Professional Skating Association. Weir will be presented his award by the PSA and USFSA later this year.

The "Best Women's Performance -- Nationals 2003" was awarded to Michelle Kwan for her free skate program. Kwan won her seventh U.S. Championship in Dallas last year. It was her sixth straight.

Weir skated to Cirque du Soleil and was in second place after the short program. He took a fall while attempting a triple axel in the long program and he felt his knee bend awkward. Thus he withdrew instead of chancing further injury.

Weir has also made some changes that began July 1. He will train with Tatiana Tarasova and move to Simsbury, Conn., for a three month trial.

Tarasova will also choreograph Weir's new short program. He will keep his long program skated to Dr. Zhivago but will change his costume. Weir said he liked the Russian style of training and looks forward to working with Tarasova.

Priscilla Hill continues to be Weir's primary coach. However Weir will represent the Skating Club of New York this season. Weir has represented the University of Delaware Skating Club since he began competing.

from Skating Source.com

Weir's performance was the eye-opener of the event. His marks for required elements ranged from 5.3 to 5.7, 5.4 to 5.8 for artistic merit. The 2001 world junior champion, Weir cleanly executed each of his three triple jumps. His speed, grace and a dynamic closing combination spin earned him the only standing ovation of the competition.

"I had one before, and they are very nice to get," Weir said. "The crowd support made me finish strong. It was amazing." (St Louis Dispatch 1/16/03)

Weir, who finished sixth at the 2002 Olympic trials, was one of the favorites of the crowd at American Airlines Center, which gave him one of its louder ovations of the afternoon. He was ranked first by one judge but fourth by three after receiving marks ranging from 5.3 to 5.8.
"It (the applause) helped me finish strong. It was just amazing," Weir said. "But I know that if I want to stay in the top three, I have to be clean and have good presentation. I want people to know that when I have a quad in my program, I will be going for first, not fifth, like I thought I would be here." (Houston Chronicle 1/17/03)

ARTICLES

Weir says he's focused on details Philadelphia Inquirer 1/12/05

Weir's Breakout Year

Weir's focus clear after dizzying month

Falls don't trip up Plushenko, Weir Twin Cities Pioneer Press 11/27/04

Weir wins singles NHK Trophy Daily Times 11/8/04

Weir, Weiss take a major leap forward at World Championships Philadelphia Inquirer 3/23/04

At 19, U.S. Men's Figure Skating Champ Johnny Weir is Already a Comeback Kid Falls-Church News Press 3/18/04

Difficult Choices lead to a National Title Delaware News Journal 1/18/04

OLYMPICS: Weir right champion for U.S. men's skating Detroit Free Press 1/14/04

Weir rebounds from 2003 fall, 19 year old dethrones Weiss San Francisco Chronicle 01/11/04

Johnny Weir Collects a Perfect 6.0 and Claims Gold U.S. Figure Skating Online

Outsider Weir, 19, Claims 1st U.S. Men's Skating Title Washington Post 1/10/04

Redemption: Weir bounces back from fall to win first U.S. title The State 1/10/04

Weir Stands Tall in Short Program Detroit Free Press 1/9/04