Johnny Weir

Johnny Weir is comfortable on top of the podium. And that's where the three-time national champion plans to be at the end of the 2008 U.S. Championships in St. Paul, only one year removed from losing his spot as America’s best male skater.

"I didn't deserve to be first or second that night. I am at peace with third," Weir said in a February journal entry about winning the bronze medal at the 2007 U.S. Championships. "Third place keeps me hungry, and makes me rethink some of my choices in training and life to this point."

In July, he relocated from Newark, Del., to train in Wayne, N.J., with Galina Zmievskaya, who coached Victor Petrenko and Oksana Baiul to Olympic titles, and Nina Petrenko. Leaving longtime coach Priscilla Hill proved to be successful change of pace for Weir.

This season, he won gold at Cup of China and Cup of Russia before placing fourth at the Grand Prix Final. Weir set his personal best short program score (80.15 points) at Cup of Russia, personal best free skate score (151.98) at Cup of China and personal best total score (231.78) at Cup of China.

Weir designed the costumes for his Yunona i Avos short program and Love is War free skate. Besides his interest in fashion, which gave him the opportunity to walk in a Heatherette show, Weir is also interested in music, shopping and travel.

For more information on Weir, visit figureskatersonline.com/johnnyweir/.

— Jamie M. Blanchard

Figure Skaters Online's Guide to the 2008 U.S. Championships is
written and produced by Figure Skaters Online in cooperation with the athletes and staff.

Photographs are courtesy of Leah Adams unless otherwise noted.
Photo of Johnny Weir is courtesy of Kathleen Bangs.