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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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NOVEMBER 2006

from Mary

Q: Hi Johnny. Do you ever revisit old programs in practice? Skating to "Valse Triste" or "Rondo Capriccioso"? Or, would you consider that to be looking backwards or something that would not be enjoyable as the programs would not be at the same level perhaps as when they were performed during a competitive season? Also, though I am very much looking forward to this season and to the future, I do wonder if you have any additional thoughts on the Mvirca program. Will we ever see it again?

A: I generally don't go back to old programs in practice. I like to end the season on a good note with the program and leave it alone. I sometimes listen to the music in my morning training just to have some background music, but I don't skate the old programs. It's hard to do so many programs and remember all the details that make them unique. I love the music of Maksim Mrvica. I do kill drills to it every day, but I won't go back to that program. It was fine, but nothing special. I skated it well at US Nationals and that was it.

from Devon

Q: If you could have a skating costume designed by any of the designers from Season 3 of Project Runway, who would it be and why?

A: I liked Laura and Jeffrey. I don't know how they would do with a costume because it's very difficult to have a transfer from the fashion world to the costume world. I think Laura would listen better so I would probably go with her.

from Danae

Q: You haven't answered this yet: Does your gracefulness and smooth skating come naturally to you, or did you have to work at it over time? Looking forward to the new season!

A: The way I skate is natural. I don't work on how I skate anymore. I did when I was at lower levels but now it's second nature. I work when I skate, but on the now. I've already learned how to skate and how to hold myself, now is the time for work.

from Jeongeun

Q: Hi, Johnny. I'm just curious... How often do you visit your fan site? Do you check fans' opinions and responses about you?

A: If I'm doing a Q&A I check back to remember what I've answered already, but generally I don't do the whole internet thing. I don't like it very much. I have a computer and I know how to write e-mails and download music, but that's all I need the net for. I prefer going shopping as opposed to sitting in my pajamas and shopping from my bed, I prefer calling people or writing letters than e-mail, I like to have things written down so I can remember them instead of having an automatic calendar on the net. I don't check people's opinions on me because it's not very important to how I skate, train and compete. For every positive there is a negative too, and I have a lot better things to do than sit on a computer and stare at messages and rumors people write about me.

from Miho

Q: Hi, Johnny, When you become a multi-millionaire, what kind of car will be your favorite to buy? Maybe Ferrari or Lamborghini or Rolls Royce or BMW or any other? What about house? Log house or castle or ranch style or mansion?

A: Bentley. Penthouse in Manhattan. It's one of my dreams anyway.

from Natalia

Q: Hi, Johnny - Wonderful skating aside, I love your candor and no-nonsense attitude. You are a breath of fresh air in a world of phonies! Now my question. As an admirer of Russian culture, you've probably had the chance to see Russian ballet, maybe even in Russia. Do you have a favorite ballet? Favorite dancer(s)? "Udachi" in the upcoming season!

A: I love to watch ballet. My favorite ballet is probably 'Swan Lake.' I love the story and I think it's beautiful. My favorite male dancer is Nureyev and my favorite female dancer is Pavlova.

from Annaklara (Sweden)

Q: Hi, Johnny! Who do you think will be your biggest competitor for the gold in Vancouver 2010?

A: Who knows? The event is so far away and life can throw a lot of things at you.

from Judi

Q: Having been skating for ten years now, you've had many chances to observe the different relationships between coaches and skaters. Based on what you've seen, how do you describe your relationship with Priscilla Hill? Is it a typical coach-skater relationship or would you say your relationship is somewhat unique for figure skating?

A: Priscilla and my relationship is very unique for figure skating. Generally coaches do their job, get paid, the kids skate and compete and that's it. Priscilla and I are close and when I come to the rink in the morning it's very unlikely that we discuss skating for the first ten minutes. Of course there is a time to be coach and student and a time to be friends, but having someone support me so much and want me to win as much as I want to win helps. The thing people forget is that this is just figure skating. When I'm thirty years old I don't want to look back at Priscilla, someone I see more than my own mother, and remember her as a coach. I will remember her as my friend and someone who was always there for me no matter what, and in my opinion, that's what a good coach should be.

from Euphoria (from St. Petersburg)

Q: Hey Johnny! Don't you think that being Jesus Christ on the ice is too pretentious for a skater. As long as you are a God (or represent him) you have no license to mistake at all! Do you feel able to be perfect? And good luck on this season! Remember that your angels never gonna leave you!

A: I am not a firm believer in any religion being perfect, or any religious icon being perfect. I know that statement will get me in trouble, but I don't see how anything can be perfect. Portraying the character of Jesus Christ is an interesting route to take. How many people have skated to "Jesus Christ Superstar" over the years? Nobody is infallible, but hopefully I can be close. I want the program to be something special, something unique. I am not wearing stigmata, and a crown of thorns. I am not Jesus. I am Johnny acting out one of the many stories of Jesus.

from Kristina

Q: I was wondering what is your favorite state you went to during COI that you don't go to often or have never been too? and why?

A: I was really shocked by Kansas City. I never thought it would be as nice as it was, and so clean and comfortable.

from Liza and Masha from Russia

Q: Privetik!! How look like perfect world for your mind? Describe Russia with 5 words. Good luck for you. Pokedova:))

A: Perfect is not attainable. Perfect in my mind is trying to be perfect. Imperfection's are what make people interesting and unique.

from Elen (Niznii Novgorod, Russia)

Q: Zdravstvyi, Johnny!  1. Are you dreamer? or you just have no time to dream? 2. Is there a little piece of a child left in you or you are 100% adult? udaci, ne grusti!

A: I am a dreamer. I think I still have a lot of child in me. It takes boys a lot longer than girls apparently! There is a lot in the adult world that I don't understand and don't want to understand or know, but I've gotta grow up sooner or later. I think in some respects I am mature and responsible, but in others I just want to take a nap or go buy candy.

from Stasy

Q: Hi! I want to ask you: If you had a chance to start your life from the beginning would you become a skater again or would you choose any other profession?

A: I would probably still be a figure skater. I was born to do this and it would be a mistake if I didn't do it until the end. I have chosen a good route so far in my life, and I'm happy with it. It's hard, of course, but I would never change my life.

from Jennifer

Q: Hi Johnny! I happened to meet you on the Plaza in Kansas City when you were here promoting COI, and it totally made my day (and week!). My question to you is, do you ever shop at discount stores like Target?

A: I grew up on TJ Maxx and Marshalls. HAHA I don't think I've ever been inside a Target. I don't have a lot of time to shop, so when I do I do it the way I want and generally it's not Target.

from Adrienne

Q: Hey Johnny! I was just wondering if you had any contact with your "second family"--the skaters on tour, while your aren't touring?

A: I try to keep in touch with people. We all know what everyone is up to and what's going on. I'm really excited to see everyone in Moscow when I go for Stars on Ice because it's been so long since I've seen everyone all together. Rudy and I talk a lot. Tanith and I keep in touch. Everyone stays together even when we're not touring.

from Aly

Q: Hey, Johnny. Longtime fan here. I'm just curious as to what keeps you going everyday. Who or what inspires you to be your best? What keeps you in check?

A: Winning my Olympic and World titles. I want both of those titles so bad and I want to work to get them. No matter how much talent you have, if you don't work you will be nothing.

from Katja

Q: Hello, Johnny! Do you remember the first time you fell really hard on the ice? Did you feel like giving everything up after that? How to overcome the fear to fall and get hurt again? Thank you.

A: Falling is a part of skating. I understood this from the beginning. The first time I fell really hard I got up and worked on the same thing over and over so I wouldn't fall on it anymore.

from Gubina Olga

Q: Johnya, privet! I wish you good luck with your new skates! You write nothing about your brother. Has he become a student already? Do vstrechy! Olya

A: My brother has started college this September. He's also working very hard and living like a normal kid. I don't talk about my family a lot because they are uncomfortable with people knowing a lot about their lives. But my brother is doing well, thanks for asking! :)

from Kayla

Q: What's your favorite fast food or chain restaurant?

A: One of the luxuries of being an athlete, I can't eat fast food. I always have a mental meal though if I drive by somewhere like KFC and you can smell all the fat and oil and salt outside.

from Chrissy :o)

Q: I was rather surprised that you found so much time to work on your new competitive programs over the summer what with the long COI tour. Do you feel as prepared for this season as in the past years? Do you think it will actually work out better for your skating because you haven't been dwelling on the new season as much, or do you think it would've been better to have more time and some space to breathe?

A: I worked, but it was different work. I got to work with Marina for an hour here and an hour there, nothing concrete. I thought I was very far behind when I went to Yokohama in July when all the Japanese skaters were doing their full short programs in the show and not looking tired, and I didn't even have a short program or a full log program yet. I am behind in my preparations, but it's to be expected. I toured until August and was away from home from March until August and there isn't a lot of time to fill everything in a day. I wish I'd had some time to breathe, but I suppose I can after this season.

from Eliza

Q: What was it like when TAT refused to coach you? Can you come back to her this or next season?

A: Tatyana Anatolievna did not refuse to coach me. I didn't have time to go to Moscow during the summer and she didn't have time to come to the states. There is no drama.

from Asuka

Q: Hi, Johnny. I find delight in seeing you skating at World Championship in Tokyo. I will turn out cheer for you there with a big Star Spangled Banner. Tokyo is going to be very much like your own country. You have a very distinctive personality and it seems like you are representative of smooth and beautiful skating. For example, I heard that Japanese figure skater, Ryo Shibata, has been called "Japanese Weir". How do you feel about that your skating is categorized and people referred to you as a point of uniqueness and commented like "skating like Johnny Weir"?

A: I think it's a huge compliment when people say someone skates like me or is similar to me. I've loved watching some lower level competitions in the states the past few years because the younger boys are getting more stylish, they're wearing glittery bodysuits, and taking care to finish their moves through the fingers. I think that's cool and a huge compliment to me. When I was in Japan in July a lot of the media told me that in Japan Shibata is the Japanese version of me. I'm looking forward to seeing him at Cup of Russia.

from Ksenia

Q: Hi Johnny! First of all, I love your skating, and second, how much tension is there between skaters after a competition? Thanks!

A: There isn't a lot of tension. When the event is over we actually get along better. Nobody is nervous, everyone wants to enjoy their time and that's it.

from RT

Q: Johnny, you've said some things that I greatly admire in the past such as "I should do it the way I want to, as opposed to trying to make other people happy.” Is this new more masculine style of skating a new avenue of expression you'd genuinely like to explore, or is it a choice to help further your career (or maybe both?). Both can be authentic choices--for the latter, if getting to the top on the international stage is your genuine passionate goal, then doing what you need to get there is being true to yourself! In any case, I think there is a distinctive serene and steady "Johnny-esque" foundation to your skating that shines through no matter what style you take on. That's what I love about your skating.

A: I've heard a lot of opinions like this. People are thinking maybe I'm trying to crossover into something new to benefit my career. In my mind, this is a natural progression for me. One second I'm talking about drugs and rhinestones and swan costumes and everyone hates it, and the next I'm wearing a horse, talking about masculinity and the merits of being pale, and of course, everyone hates it. It's hard to win in this world. I know there are people who support me, and people who don't, it's not an issue. I am singing my own song, I'm skating my own way, and I am doing what I think is best for me. If I land my jumps and skate well, my career will be better regardless if I'm doing high kicks to Fosse or skating as a corpse to something by My Chemical Romance. I am always myself. My programs are always an extension of my tastes and ideas. I really don't define myself by anything. My programs are the same. There is nothing wrong with experimentation and trying something different.

from Fab4

Q: Hi Johnny! First of all, you're an outstanding skater! I'd like to ask you what you think of one of the most criticized movies of the last season, Brokeback Mountain. I read it is among your favourite movies, and I'd like to know why. Thanks!

A: It's a beautiful love story. Straight, gay, bisexual, it doesn't matter. It's a love story. I liked the angst in the film and I like the long distance side of the story. I think in one way or another, many people could relate to something in that movie.

from Ninel from Moscow

Q: Hi, my dear! How are you! Tell me please about your plans for the future. Are you going to be trainer or not?!! You've said you were going to buy a house near Moscow, is it true or gossip? I wish you to be a real fighter!!! You can do it!

A: I would like to contribute something back to the sport when I'm finished. I would like to coach and choreograph. This year I have worked with Kati Hadford who's competing for Hungary, Jenna Syken who competes for Israel and Adriana DeSanctis who competes for the US. I enjoy that very much. I am not buying a home in Russia right now, but I will someday!

from Jessica

Q: Okay, I'm sure you have heard this many times before...but....are you gay? And what do you have against President Bush? Personally, I think he is awesome...he is not killing people! We are at war! People will die...duh! Obviously, your morales are half an inch off the floor.

A: I love the use of "duh" in this question. Okay, so I include a lot of nasty questions in my Q&A's but it's generally because I do these answers on boring Sundays and I laugh for five minutes after I read them. This is one of my favorites, being attacked by a "duh."

from Melissa

Q: Hello! I am a huge fan of yours . You are very talented. Anyway I just wanted to know what your daily skating day is, like what time you get up, what time you skate, what time you work out? Thank you for replying, and good luck in everything you do!

A: I wake up every day at 7. I make my coffee, shower and am out the door by 8:15. I skate my first session at 9. I have a break from 10:15 until 12. I usually rest and have coffee in that time. At 12:30 I skate my second session and finish around 2. Twice a week I have pilates at 3:30. The other days I relax and have a nice afternoon.

from Hime

Q: Why weren't you at Skate America???

A: In general I don't do Skate America because my coach has a conflicting competition for all her other students. I don't have a back-up coach who can go with me so we try and plan around Priscilla's other students major events, North Atlantics, Easterns and so on, and North Atlantics is usually the same week as Skate America.

from Evgenia (from Russia, St. Petersburg)

Q: Johnny, I adore your new short program, it's just amazing. You've created a new style. And I can say that I've always liked "King of Chess" music. Who helped you to choose this very music?

A: I actually found the music on iTunes. I used it as warm-up music a lot last season and when Marina Viacheslavovna said she would like something graphic I let her hear this music and we decided it would be good.

from Soo-kyung

Q: Hi, Johnny! I'm from Korea. And I'm your big fan. I really wish you good luck. Anyway, what do you think of Yu-na Kim from Korea? I think she is an incredible skater. Do you agree with me? Please answer my question. I wonder what you think.

A: I got to see Yu-na skate at Skate Canada for the first time and I got to meet her. She is a very sweet girl and very talented. I think she has great potential artistically because she has the body of a ballerina. She was very nice and asked for a photo with me and was very complimentary. Her coach was as well. I enjoyed meeting her and I am looking forward to seeing her skate again.

from Renate

Q: If you were president of the United States, what would you change? (I think you'd make a great president/fashion designer. Interesting combination I know.)

A: I don't have enough e-mail space to write everything I'd like to change or work on. Let's just say, a lot!

from Colette

Q: I go to an Ivy League school and I'm trying my best to deal with the cut-throat competitive atmosphere I'm not used to. When you're under a lot of stress and pressure (e.g. before a competition), do you feel you're most on top of your game when you're relaxed and alert or all around hyped up and ready to go?

A: I need to be relaxed and alert. I can't be hyped all the time or I crumble into a million pieces. I don't like the feeling of being pepped up and ready to go and punching and chomping at the bit. I like to ease into things and then dive into the ice cold pool!

from Phebe

Q: Johnny, it seems that you often change up your programs at the last second in the middle of the program a lot. What is the reason you do that so much? Thanks!

A: I actually don't. I have a game plan before I take the ice. I know what elements I will do. I have heard that commentators say I change things half way through, but they get a list of my elements two months before I compete, so things will change. I couldn't skate and change things and compete and look nice all at the same time, too exhausting.

from Rocho

Q: Hey Johnny, I'm from Peru (so don't kill me for my english). First, i want to tell you something: you're a damn great skater, luv your personality, and admire the fact that you don't care about what bad people may think of you, you're just yourself, and your not afraid, I like it! Man, you rock!!! So, simple question: what are your expectations for this GP?

A: I want to make the final and win.

from Ksenia

Q: You have a lot of fans. What's the most eccentric thing they've ever done?

A: My Russian fans made me a beautiful quilt for my birthday. A Japanese fan made me a crown of flowers for my shows in July. I had a French fan give me her toaster to sign. There are a lot of things!

from Aysha

Q: Hi Johnny! I saw your new free program at Skate Canada and I thought it was great. My favorite of all your programs is still Otonal though. I noticed you had some honey before you went on the ice. Have you always done that? Is there a reason behind it?

A: Honey is sweet and a good way to grab some energy. I also like how it coats my throat before I skate because my mouth gets dry and it makes it harder to breathe, so a smooth honey coated throat helps in that department. I've also been on and off sick for a few months so it helps my throat feel better.

from Pamela

Q: Hi Johnny - Even though I’ve always found your skating to be beautifully and powerfully masculine, I have to admit I really love your new look this season. Both programs hint at a story and Paul Wylie even seemed to be looking for one in the free skate, so my question to you is this: Does either King Of Chess or Child of Nazareth have a linear story line? Are you telling an actual story or painting an emotion? If it's the former, could you elaborate? Thanks and best of luck at CoR. We're all thinking gold. Love, Pamela

A: The short program doesn't really have a story. The beginning and step sequences are very graphic and show the side to side movements of a chess piece. The free program is supposed to be light. The opening is showing kindness, the first fast part is the first battle of Jesus, the middle is about being hated but still shining light, and the end is the last walk of life.

from Noria

Q: Regarding the Skate Canada fluff, some people felt you showed great maturity; others felt bittersweet; still others found it ironic that you said, "I don't want to offend anyone," just before you skated as Jesus. My question: Will we ever see your CCCP jacket again?

A: HAHA Yes. The thing about my CCCP jacket, nobody ever wrote the part where I said it was a gift from Tatyana Totmyanina for good luck. I'm not just a jackass wearing a CCCP jacket to be controversial, it was for luck. I don't want to offend people this year, as much as last year at least, for my own peace. I don't have the energy to deal with all that again. I want to skate. I want to skate as Jesus and a chess piece and land my jumps. Those are my main priorities.

from Hannah (from St. Louis or Farmington)

Q: Johnny, I feel sorry for you. Your pride is going to be your downfall. I don't write to attack you but, your attitude will bring you low. For one thing, don't you think it is going a bit to far to put the president with Hitler and of all things, the Radical Muslems? (Who killed so many innocent Americans.) I guess you think we shouldn't fight to protect our country? If we hadn't attacked Iraq it would have been and was a safe haven for terrists. Also, here's a penny for your thoughts, If you cause just one of these little ones to stumble it is better that a millstone were tied around your neck and you were cast in the depth of the sea. (God's own words) You should consider it an honour to have all these kids looking up to you. Johnny, turn to God, he is the answer to your problems, to your life. John 3:16 Praying for you, don't forget that!

A: Bush, Hitler, radical Muslims and so on have all killed for their own agenda. Hitler thought it was good for Germany, Europe and the World to have no Jews, the Taliban thinks it's best to kill America because we are sinful, George Bush waged war on an area that not everyone is a terrorist and killed many Americans, Afghanis, Iraqis and so on in the process. It is foolish to say our president is exempt from being classified as a historical murderer. You can't categorize death, and what was reasonable, unreasonable, unjust, eye for an eye, hate crime etc. They're all death. I didn't go too far with what I said. I am honored that people look up to me. But to look up to anyone is to accept them for who they are. The Bible verse didn't take, I'm sorry to disappoint.

from Elizabeth

Q: As a Croatian-American, I was wondering if you had ever met Croatian ladies single skater Idora Hegel, and I wondered what you thought of her. I really enjoy your skating performances and I hope you continue being who you are.

A: Idora is very nice and very nice to everyone. I really like her skating actually. She has the cutest dog she takes everywhere!

from Adrian

Q: Do you have anything fun planned for Thanksgiving? What are your family traditions?

A: I've spent the last three Thanksgivings in Russia, so I don't know!

from Bianca

Q: Hi Johnny! I love your skating and also your sense of fashion. What's your most recent purchase? What do you do with all of your clothes/accessories that you don't wear anymore (once they get worn, go out of style, etc)?

A: I bought a really cool chair. It's from the 40s. If I don't wear something anymore I'll give it to friends or take them to Salvation Army.

from Jade

Q: Are you working on a new exhibition?

A: It's possible that I will do a collaboration with Aleksandr Abt for a new exhibition number. I'm trying to get everything figured out and when we could do it, but we've both shown interest and I think it would be fun.

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