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Johnny Weir
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questions & answers

Here are Johnny's latest answers to your questions.  
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APRIL 2006

from Patrycja

Q: If you could be able to play pro in any other sport, what would it be? AND...... If you could ever be anyone in the world, who would it be?

A: I would love to try diving or skiing. I was a good skier when I was young but it has been years since I've practiced. I wish I could play team sports, but I like to know that anything, good or bad, is on my shoulders not on a whole team. If I could be anyone, I would like to be Christina Aguilera in a concert. I would love the rush of people coming to see you perform, and only you.

from Pamela

Q: Hi Johnny, I'm so glad you'll be touring all of COI, but I'm wondering when you'll be able to put together two new programs for next season? I understand that it's too early for revelations yet, but have you thought about whom you'll be working with and when? It looks like the tour will go right up to the start of the new season! I'm personally hoping you'll find time to visit Tarasova in Russia!

A: I have some ideas. Tatiana Anatolievna is very busy with her new post as the head of coaches for RFS, so I'm not sure how well our schedules will match up. I have several names in my head, Platov, Zhulin, Anissina, I just have to figure out when, how and where.

from Tatiana

Q: Hi Johnnn! As you know, all Russia supports you at all your starts!! we admire your skating!  Today figure skating in Russia becomes more & more popular -there are so many different shows across our country! Our greate wish is to see you there! What do you think about taking part in Russian tours? Thank you!

A: I would love to take part in Averbukhs shows. I was supposed to take part in the shows in Moscow and Saint Petersburg this year, but so many things including the World Championships changed my ability to go. I am always open for a trip to Russia, and to perform there, with a cool Russian language number, is a dream of mine. I will come, in time.

from Katya

Q: Hi Johnny, You mentioned possibly doing something different for next season (and please don't wear "all black"!), are you really considering changing your musical style? Do you have a type of music in mind?

A: I have some ideas. Whoever I decide to work with will sit down with me and go over the best choices. Currently I'm thinking of going back to one of my very old programs and then taking a brand new style for the free program. It will be something special, an evolution.

from Pinlin

Q: Hi, Johnny! First, thanks for your wonderful skating.  When you are staking, it seems that you are a little cold, but when you are not skating, you are always sunny and happy.  I want to know which is the real one.  At last I want to say that believe yourself you are the best.

A: They are both real sides of my personality. When I am competing, I am focused, not cold. I want to achieve everything I've trained for, which takes a little mental focus. It is something I need to work on, to make my skating more interesting and take it to a new level, but I will never be as "sunny" as say Evan Lysacek because that is his skating persona, and something he's comfortable with. I envy people like him in a way for being able to wear their hearts on their sleeves when they perform, and I'll learn how to, things just take time. Off the ice, I'm goofy and crazy and don't have to worry about certain elements, I can just have fun and that is the main difference. I don't have to focus to live, only to skate and that's why you see a difference.

from diane

Q: Hi johnny! Firstly I want to say that I adore your elegant and unique skating, you're really an artist! And I would to ask you questions: Did you do a special ice-skating school and how have you discovered this beautiful sport? And finally I'd know what do you think about brian joubert (I am french)? Good luck.

A: I didn't train in a special school. I discovered skating after watching Oksana Baiul win her her 1993 World title and 1994 Olympic gold medal, I was hooked. I love Brian Joubert's skating. He is very technical and strong and I like that. I think he was robbed of a gold medal at the World Championships. He is a big competitor for me in the next four years.

from Liza & Masha from Russia

Q: Hi!! Johnny!! how are u? we want wish u good luck (maybe correct). We will root for you too. We have few question. Are you collection something (besides medal of course)? And what are u wanting to have at this moment, but u can't presume.

A: I collect Cheburashka memorabilia. I have also started collecting vintage Russian propaganda and advertisement posters from the early 1900s and after. What do I want at this moment? Everything!

from Lena

Q: Bonjour! Je voudrais vous demander à partir de quel âge avez vous eu des espoirs pour participer a des compétitions internationales? Et quels ont été vos impressions des Jeux Olympiques? Toutes mes admirations! Bon courage pour l'avenir!

A: I started competing in international competitions at age 13. My first event was in Kranska Gora, Slovenija. Stephane Lambiel competed against me there! I was second and he was third. The Olympics are now a memory to me. They were at the front of my mind for a while, but now they're over and I can only look forward to what is to come.

from Maria

Q: Did you watch any of the girl skate in torino?

A: I watched the entire ladies event, short and long. I loved Elene Gedevanishvilli, she was great. She has a special style and idea about form, and I'd like to see her at the top in the coming years. I also loved seeing Ira Slutskaia. I thought she deserved silver in the competition, but some things can't be helped. Seeing Shizuka skate as well as she did was a real inspiration. She was pretty much flawless.

from Janice

Q: You mentioned in your last journal entry that you had read a lot of hateful e-mails and articles about you after the Olympics. You even quoted the malicious assaults that were aimed at you. Why did you decide to read this garbage at all and respond in any way to them? How good are you at letting it roll off your back and not sink into your psyche?

A: I read it because I read all my mail, eventually. I don't like the idea of someone else responding to my fans when it's my job. A lot of skaters pay people to read their mail and respond to it, and that's just not right in my opinion. If someone takes the time to write you, good or bad, you should take the time to read it. I can let things slide pretty easily. I responded to show people the nature of "human kindness."

from Valeriya

Q: Winter or summer?

A: Winter is much more beautiful to me.

from Yegor

Q: Dear Johnny, do you plan to perform in Moscow in 2006? I'd hate to miss the chance to see you skating!

A: I am hoping to get Cup of Russia in Moscow. It is not in my control to choose which events I receive, so I am just hoping. I would love to skate in Averbukhs show at some point as well.

from Sharon

Q: A couple of years ago, you seemed to be close friends with Sasha Cohen and Tanith Belbin. Now that you are all more successful, has your friendship with either of them changed?

A: We were kids and kids tend to grow up and go different directions. I still support my girls and we are still friends, but not as close as we once were. We have a lot of fun when we're together.

from Shirley

Q: My question is, if you could go to any college in the world right now, which would you choose and why? Thanks so much!

A: I would go to Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC because I think they have the best fashion program in the country.

from Kristi

Q: Over the years I have noticed that at many competitions your coach will wear an outfit that matches the color of your costume. I think it's really cute! Is this a good luck thing and how did it start?

A: Priscilla has done that for a while. It is a ritual now. It is for good luck and if I skate badly, she'll change her "costume."

from Nate

Q: Hi Johnny! I was just wondering what your thoughts were when you picked Baiul's signature piece to skate to in your Short Program? (Yours was awesome, too, BTW!)

A: Tatiana Anatolievna was trying to push 'The Swan' on me for a few years and I thought the Olympic season was a perfect time to use it. It will always be Baiuls piece, but I wanted to try it for myself. It worked out well and I loved the program, but in my opinion it will always be her signature.

from Michaela

Q: Hi Johnny! I was checking the Champions On Ice tour schedule and I noticed that it is going through Dallas again. Since the terrible injury you received there in 2003, have you held some dislike, at any time, for the City ever since? Are you looking forward to skating there again this year? And finally (sorry, I know I ramble) what is your favorite city to visit when doing the tour here in the U.S.? Thanks so much!!

A: I have a lot of feelings toward Dallas, but in no way do I hate it! I am excited to skate a good performance there and not make any mistakes. It was a hard time in my life, Dallas Nationals, but I think going back and performing will be good. It's funny. Everyone on tour has some city they get more nervous for than others, and some they just can't perform in. My favorite cities to visit on the tour are Boston and San Francisco.

from Olga from Russia

Q: Hi Johnny!  what will you choose: money, happiness or fame? and why?

A: Happiness. Nothing matters if you aren't happy with your life.

from Abby

Q: You don't like Evan Lysacek at all do you?

A: I respect Evan, very much. I think he's a good skater with a lot of great qualities. Off the ice he's a pretty good guy. We're competitors, so it's not like I'm going to be his best friend, but I think he's a nice guy and a talented one.

from elle

Q: Hi, Johnny! Just interested, who chose the name Vanya for your dog?

A: I chose his name. While I was in Moscow for the 2005 World Championships many people started calling me Vanya. My dog Vanya was born on the day of my free program in Moscow and I thought it was a natural fit.

from Thomas

Q: Hey, I read somewhere you answer all questions! Well ... I'm still waiting!!! How do you feel about Rudy Galindo commenting on you? I think he should mind his own business! Take care, I think you're great!

A: I was very upset when I first learned that Rudy made some bad statements about me because as far as I know, we've been friends for a while. When I got on the tour this year things were a little awkward and then I decided that we have to work together, it's not a huge deal. I got over it. He did too, and he apologized to me which I wasn't expecting. We get along great and we're having fun so it's all water under the bridge. I can forgive, but I won't forget.

from Jovana

Q: Why did you say you didn't wanna be in the World Championships in Calgary, Canada?

A: Because I really didn't. It was very difficult to train before the event. I had been very sick for about a month after the Olympic Games and I was tired. I went to Calgary to try the quad, which I did. Other than that I didn't care too much. After the qualifying and short program where I felt I'd been judged a bit unfairly, I lost my spirit a bit. In addition to all this, I couldn't practice the week of the event because of severe back spasms, so everything wrapped into one made me not want to be at that event. I am proud I tried to make the best of it.

from Mei

Q: hey Johnny, I'm just curious and would like to know, who is your favourite Asian skater? Thanks!

A: Shizuka Arakawa and Daisuke Takahashi. I also really like the Zhangs.

from Tatiana from Russia

Q: Johnny, what would you want to receive as a gift at date of a birth?

A: Cheburashka! :)

from Ekaterina from Russia

Q: Privet, Johnny! I haven't been your fan for a long time (just since that season), but your latest skating really impressed everyone I think. These things happen and it will all come out for the best. I was wonder when I've read that you are fond of Russia. So I would like to know if you have your favourite RUSSIAN dish. Thank you for your attention. With the best wishes from Russia, Ekaterina (Kate)

A: My favorite Russian dish is bliniy with black caviar and sour cream.

from Sveta

Q: Hi, Johnny!!! Do you love russian fans?

A: Conyechno. I love all my fans. It doesn't matter where they come from or what they do, the fact that they support me means the world to me and I have such gratitude for them.

from lara

Q: what's the most played song on your ipod?

A: 'Fighter' by Christina Aguilera. Before every event this year, that is what I listened to.

from Irunchi

Q: Johnny! You are the best of the best!!!=))) You know it!! We love you!!! Show everybody all what you can!! Sorry for my English (i'm from Russia!!!) Thank you for all!!! And can you say what you think about cinema??? Would you take part in one of them???

A: I would love to be in a movie. I think it would be a great opportunity for me. I would love to be in a drama, but usually athletes aren't thought of as great actors.

from Gilraen

Q: Your position about being yourself and living life the way you want is strong, it's worthy respect. But is it easily to you to accept other people such what they are? And do you ever wanted to influence people, who you love and care about, if they lived life the way they wanted, but you didn't like their choice?

A: I am very opinionated, but I try my best to accept people for who they are. There are always things I don't agree with, but I don't begrudge other people for their beliefs. I believe in my life and what I've made of it, just the same as other people feel for their own. I am very accepting of differences because that's what makes people human. If there is something very bad in someone's life, I'll tell them what I think, but I won't try to change it. People make their own mistakes, just as I've made my own.

from Olga from Ukraine

Q: Dear johnny, you are so sincere! I have one question to you: imagine, please, you are taking part in the Olympic Games or world championship. what is more important for you - 4 minutes on the ice or the result, the long- awaited medal? Thank you for the answer and for your skating!

A: My performance has always been the most important thing for me. Results can't be controlled, so all I can do is skate my best.

from Christine

Q: Hey Johnny!!! I think you're just amazing...you are the coolest skater!!! And you started pretty late too... well i'll get straight to my question...Who would you say that you find the most intimidating on ice besides the obvious...plushenko....well I'm glad that you actually interact with your fans!!! Bye. = )

A: Emanuel Sandhu is the most intimidating on the ice. Plushenko is great, he moves if you're coming by and that sort of thing, but Sandhu is very hard to skate with. He's everywhere, and he never moves. :)

from Nina (Saint Petersburg)

Q: Hi, Johnny! You spend a lot of time skating, how can you find enouch time to make a career, to meet with you friends (give my regards to Paris) and to learn foreign language? By the way, what is your favourite russian word?

A: I always make time. There is nothing more important than family and friends so I always make time even if it's ten minutes on the phone. My favorite russian word is 'Zvezda.'

from Mareena (Moscow)

Q: Johnny,you always look stylish. Do you consider yourself to be a fashion victim? Thanks:-)

A: Always! I am never sure if what I'm wearing is good or not, but that's the fun thing about fashion. One day you're fashion roadkill and the next what you just had on is in vogue. You can never tell, that's why I'll go outside in anything.

from Julia

Q: Johnny, hello! You are following "number one" of figure skating. The question is: aren't you afraid to tell all you think to the journalists? Aren't you afraid of getting offended?

A: I am not afraid of people, even journalists. People spin your comments in ways you wish they wouldn't, but you have to stand by what you say. I have no problem being myself in interviews, and I appreciate it so much when a journalist respects that and keeps things the way I meant. It doesn't always happen though. I am never offended.

from Eni

Q: When and how did you meet at first with Tatiana Totmianina and Maxim Marinin? How did you get to know them and tell me something about them, as you see them. Thanks a lot, and ignore those people who said that you are "faggot", or anything else!!! They are not worth dealing with :))))))), but I know, that it is really hard not to cope with. I also cannot ignore it, so I understand you. :((

A: I really got to know Tanya and Max on the Champions On Ice Tour. They are both very confident and hard working. Tanya loves to shop and find the coolest new styles and is very interested in life and she is very curious. Max is a bit more aloof and serious, but is very caring and always has something to say and support to give.

from Jamie

Q: I love your independent, be-your-own-person attitude, and I find it refreshing to see someone who isn't afraid to say what's on their mind. How have the other skaters taken to this? Are they supportive?

A: Many of the other skaters have told me they think it's hilarious and they are very supportive. I think I am helping, in a small way, the sport of figure skating to become more open minded and grown up. Skaters will tell me they wish they could talk the way I do, and I ask why not and they say because I can't. That's sad to me. People are too hung up on image making.

from Olga

Q: Hello :) What languages do you know also what would like to learn? I know you take a great interest in a kabbalah.... Do You know a Hebrew? Did you ever read Zohar?

A: I wish to learn Norwegian and Hebrew after I learn to speak Russian better. I can understand a lot, but speaking is hard for me. I would like to read the Zohar in Hebrew because with books and things, words are lost in translation.

from Lauren

Q: Hi Johnny. Firstly, I want to say that you are most definitely one of my role models. You are yourself regardless of what anyone thinks. I respect you so much for that. Now then... What keeps you motivated during hard times? What keeps you going and keeps your spirit strong?

A: Thank you! :) In hard times I don't like to dwell and get down on myself. I motivate myself by thinking of making my experiences better. There is nothing too big to overcome. Things that keep me going are goals that I've set for my life, and the idea that one day I won't be alive anymore so I need to do as much as I can with the time I've been given.

from Anyutka (Moscow)

Q: Johnny, can you curse in Russian or in any other foreign for you language?

A: When you learn a foreign language I think you always learn the bad words first!

from Eun

Q: Hi!! johnny!! I hope you're doing well on your tour! You said you want to work in fashion business after you finish skating. If you launch your own fashion brand, who would you cast as a main model in your fashion show?  Do you have any favorite fashion style? or star's fashion style? If you are a fashion stylist, who would you want to make over?

A: Kate Moss would probably be my main model, along with Natalia Vodianova. The best dressed star is probably Christina Aguilera or Uma Thurman because they take risks. I also love Nicole Kidman's clothes. I would want to make over Jennifer Aniston, she dresses so boring.

from Brook

Q: I was wondering where is your favorite place to perform? Country, city, pick one.

A: Moscow, Russia.

from Bababa

Q: Hey! I was just wondering, what is your favorite place to shop?

A: Riccardi on Newbury Street in Boston. They have everything I want. I also really like Podium in Moscow and Jeffrey in NYC.

from Asya

Q: Hi, Johnny. I'm your biggest fan from Kazakhstan. My question: Do you read the Russian classics (Pushkin, Tolstoi) on English or on Russian?

A: I try to read in Russian, but English is much faster. I want to learn fluent Russian, French and Hebrew so I can read in the native language.

from Dmitry from Russia

Q: Hi, Johnny!!! First of all I should say that your free program in the 2006 World Championship was a FEAT, I think. But how you estimate your conditions and performance? You know that you have many fans in Russia, and we hope that your main victories have not taken place yet. And my second question to you is from other sphere, I know that you are fond of shopping: Do you know any Russian designers or may be you have some clothes from Russia? Best wishes, good bye.

A: I was very proud to finish the event in Canada. I didn't really want to compete, and once I got injured I thought I would be finished, but I kept trying and that is the important thing. I have a lot of clothes by Denis Simachev. I was invited to a big fashion event in Moscow during the World Championships, so I obviously couldn't go!

from AJ

Q: Hello, Johnny! I was so happy when I saw your performance at COI show! Totally awesome, and also great to see those cool people who really try their best for their goals. By the way, during the opening, I was surprised that it was Green Day's 'Boulevard of Broken Dreams' playing when you were introduced:D! Did you pick that song by yourself, and do you like it? Thank you and wish you good luck on everything!

A: I didn't pick that song, it was chosen by the choreographer for the show. I love the song, and it's very symbolic as to the season I have had. I was pissed off though when it was chosen by someone who doesn't really know me! HAHA

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