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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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JANUARY 2007

from Stacey and Hila

Q: Johnny, what do you do with costumes when you change programs? Do you store them in a special place, get rid of them, sacrifice small mammals to them on every full moon?... :) Thanks!

A: Haha! I actually keep most of my old costumes. They're good for memories and who knows when I'll need a good Halloween costume?

from Danny

Q: I absolutely love your shirt that says "J'adore faire L'amour." Where did you get it?

A: Thank you. It's old. I got it at Kitson a few years ago.

from Julia

Q: Johnny, do you truly believe skating is your path in life? I have so much that I want to do in my lifetime: interior design, artist, novelist, foreign ambassador, dancer. The problem is that I am quite accomplished with all of these subjects; I'm not going to lie. I feel so confused with what to do with my life; I am a junior in high school and would really like your feedback. Did you know from the very first moment that you wanted to dedicate your life to skating?

A: I didn't know from the beginning that this is my calling. I think it's good and healthy to have a lot of goals and things you want to accomplish. Skating has been my focus for so long that it's hard to think of what else I could be doing at this very moment. I enjoy it for now, and when it starts to become tedious and boring and I don't love it, I know it will be time to hang up my skates and work towards something else. You will know what to do when a decision has to be made. Do what your heart tells you to do, and if your heart is wrong you can at least say you tried and move on.

from Hannah

Q: First off, I absolutely adore you and your skating style. Secondly: In your last Q & A you mentioned you do something called "kill drills." Could you describe what they are? Thanks!

A: Kill Drills are something I've used in training for several years now. I put the last minute of my music on, and skate up and down the ice doing a difficult jump at each end. I have been able to fit up to thirteen jumps in a minute. My theory is that if I can do that many hard jumps in one minute, then I can do eight passes in a long program.

from Ann (from Russia)

Q: Ciao, Johnny! There're lots of people around U (paparazzi, fans, friends, enemies). Lots of rumors are about U. So, I have only one question to U - Does it annoy U?

A: No. I don't like to always be surrounded by people, but it doesn't bother me. I have no problem telling people when I need to be alone.

from Hila, Israel

Q: What were your best and worst ever dreams? (As in, night dreams, not goals and aspirations)

A: I had a dream that I was happy and I had a beautiful life and everything was wonderful and I didn't hurt and wasn't sad. I keep having a dream that I'm being stalked and chased, so that's probably the worst.

from T

Q: Johnny, thank you sooooooo much for the way you treat us, your Russian fans!!! We appreciate it very much!!! Do you ever sign autographs in Russian to non-Russian fans or we are the only lucky ones? Mi tebja ljubim!

A: I only sign in Russian for Russians. :) If I could sign my name in all the alphabets of the World, everyone would have a special one. I can only write in Russian and English so yes, Russians get a special autograph!

from Judi

Q: You said before that you do pilates twice a week, what other conditioning exercises do you do? Do you use weight machines or take dance classes? Also during the season, do you train five or six days a week?

A: I don't do anything off the ice aside from pilates. I don't enjoy it, so I don't do it. If I skated, worked out, did dance class and had my diet, I wouldn't make it to Wednesday in a week. My body isn't made to work so much. I do as much as physically possible now, so I can't imagine adding anything. I skate three hours a day five days a week and do pilates for an hour a day twice a week and it's enough for me.

from Elizabeth

Q; It's interesting that you choose to work with Sasha Abt for an exhibition this season. I feel for years he was over shadowed by Plushenko and Yagudin, but his edges are so pure I prefer to watch him stroke around the ice all day compared to Yagudin/Plushenko muscling through their jumps. What do you hope to gain from working with such a talented skater, and how do you feel about Abt being overshadowed all those years?

A: I haven't actually worked with Sasha yet, but I'm hoping we can figure out a time to work together and make a new show number. I've always admired him as a skater. I remember in 2003, my first Cup of Russia that I withdrew from, I practiced with him and I remember how quiet his blades were when he skated. I remember how beautiful his edges were. I wanted to be able to skate like that. He was overshadowed by Yagudin and Plushenko for much of his career, but Yagudin and Plushenko were so dominant in the World, it would be hard to be them as a Russian trying to break through. I hope to work with him soon and see what we can make together.

from *Emily*

Q: Hey Johnny! So I have a pretty simple question... I know you like a lot of skaters from other countries, but I was wondering, who is your favorite figure skater from the US?

A: As a skater, probably Sasha Cohen. As friends, many of the skaters. My best friends on the team are probably Melissa Gregory, Denis Petukhov and Sasha Cohen.

from Zoey

Q: Hi Johnny! My (weird) question is, if you somehow won a gold medal (at, let's say, the olympics or at worlds) after skating badly, how would feel about it?

A: It depends. If I skated badly but was still better than the other competitors, I would be fine with it. If I skated poorly and didn't deserve my placement, I would feel bad that someone who was better didn't get the placement.

from Valentina

Q: Hi Johnny! I love your skating, and am a huge fan. I just wanted to know, if you never did manage to win at the olympics and/or at worlds, would you still be happy with your career? Good luck!

A: If I achieved everything I thought I could achieve, then I would be happy with my career. My career isn't defined by a single success or failure.

from Tatyana

Q: Hi Johnny! I just want you to know, I am HUGE fan. Anyway, my question is, what would you most like to be known for as a skater?

A: I would like people to remember me as someone who tried their best, worked hard and showed something unique and beautiful.

from Dave

Q: Last year you criticized Sasha Cohen a lot, but you also had troubles in competition. Do you worry about being labeled a short program skater? You were so consistent in 2004-2005, what has happened since then? Are you still burnt out from the Olympic year and from touring until August? Are you and Sasha still friends?

A: I don't know what happened. I was still relatively unknown a couple years ago and when you have expectations put on you it adds pressure. I think in the past seasons I have felt more pressure than ever before. To me, that's the only thing keeping me from the form I was in. I already am labeled as a short program skater, but I'm hoping to change that. I am burnt out from performing in general, but right now I have a revived energy and I feel good about skating. I am looking forward to Nationals and Worlds as events to show how hard I've worked since the Grand Prix Series. Sasha and I are friends, of course.

from Margaux

Q: I just send you this stuff to fill one of your boring Sundays. No, I'm not going to blame you for being yourself, and no, I'm not going to insult you. First, not all people agree with your point of view (it's their right), and they don't necessarily mean to offend you while they criticize you. Instead of getting mulish, try to understand that, really, your words can be abrupt and might repel. It's a good thing to be that frank and nobody requires you change into someone else, but why being well-liked by groups when you can be well-liked by everyone? ;-)

A: In my opinion, nobody is well liked by everyone. I don't care who you are. Oprah does many amazing things for people, and yet she's criticized for silly things like her weight, her hair or her best friend Gayle. Nobody is exempt from opinion, that's why I tell things the way I see them. You can be kind, and sugar coated and fake and people will still cut you down so why not just be who you want?

from Kristen

Q: Hey Johnny, not to show off but I am a fourteen year old honors student, and I was wondering if you were ever close to being one.

A: I was an honor student my entire way through high school and I graduated in the top ten in my class even with only going to school for two periods a day by my senior year.

from Josh (from New Jersey)

Q: Hey, Johnny, I'm a huge fan and I was just wondering...With all of the traveling you do, do you ever have time for romantic relationships?

A: I did at one time, but then I found out that it's too hard to have both work and a relationship. I am just skating now, nothing else and that's how it could end up for the next four years.

from Fabio

Q: Hi, Johnny. Do you like Italian ice-skaters and dancers? What about Faiella-Scali or Fusar Poli-Margaglio? What about our figure skater star Carolina Kostner? And what about our dancer Roberto Bolle? Of course not comparable with Nureyev. Thanks a lot.

A: I really enjoy Italian skating. Carolina is very talented as are Massi and Fede. I think Krel Zelenka is also very interesting to watch. I couldn't believe how Barbara Fusar-Poli acted at Olympics with her partner. He worked as hard as she did to get back into shape for the Olympics, he didn't deserve the stare down. It was diva, but not in the good way. It was mean. I didn't like that at all. I don't know who Bolle is, but now I'll look for him!

from Lena

Q: Dear Johnny, when will you go to Russia ?

A: My next trip to Russia will be to Moscow in February for Tatiana Anatolievna's birthday show.

from Adrienne

Q: Hey Johnny! I was reading in your journal and you said that on your last night in Moscow you went dancing with Irina and Tatiana... but I must ask... are they good dancers? Who is better? Glad you had a blast with them! Three of my favorite figure skaters together=priceless!

A: Ira and Tanya are excellent dancers! We had a good time in Moscow and I wish I was able to go dancing with my girls more often.

from Fabio

Q: Hi, Johnny! First of all I'm very sorry about your injury; I hope it's nothing serious. Said so, I've a question roaming in my mind: what's that necklace you wear during your performances? Does it have a deep meaning? What do those charms symbolize? Thank you for your time. Get well soon.

A: I actually have a new collection for this season. Some of the charms are old though. I have two stars of David, an imperial rouble, two hands of god, a cheburashka, an orthodox ring that Elene Gedevanishvilli gave me with a protection prayer on it, and a horse head. They all have different meanings, but in general they protect me with the positive energy they have. All of them are gifts, so I know they were given with love.

from David

Q: Sergei DOBRIN, Andrei GRIAZEV, Ilia KLIMKIN. Who is best?

A: I like all of them for different reasons. Andrei Griazev is so smooth on the ice, and he has so much energy in his movements. He is a very deserving Russian Champion. Sergey Dobrin has so much passion on the ice and I find it very interesting to watch. Ilia Klimkin is always doing something unique and I admire his guts. I also really like Sasha Uspenski and Sergey Voronov as far as Russian men are concerned.

from B

Q: Are you really good at keeping to a healthy diet? Or do you sometimes eat unhealthy thinking that because you exercise so much it doesn't really matter?

A: I am very strict about my diet. I don't allow myself to eat unhealthy things unless it's required such as at birthday parties when you should eat cake. In the summer I am more relaxed about it.

from saori

Q: I am a Japanese. I love the skating that you bring about with yourself very and always support you. How about condition of an injury? I worry very much. I am sorry in an inexperienced English sentence.

A: I still have pain, especially in the morning, but I'm working through it. It is definitely better than in Piter, but I still have some issues with it. It is only a problem on some of the spins and axels. I'll get by, nobody worry!

from Colette

Q; Hi Johnny, Who are your favorite commentators, and why?

A: Tatiana Anatolievna Tarsova of course. Why? Just because.

from Vika

Q: Hi Johnny? Happy new year!!! Lets go to future? how can you imagine your life and yourself in ten years time? thank you.:)))

A: Happy and living in Moscow or Manhattan.

from anna

Q: Hi Johnny! You used to work with T. Tarasova.What attracted you most in her personality? Were there any misunderstandings in your relationships with her?

A: I was interested to work with Tatiana Anatolievna because she is a strong, independent person who doesn't stand for excuses or less than she deserves. We never really had a fight. It took me a little time the first year I went to her, to get used to the "Russian Way," but it didn't take long. I miss her!

from Minju

Q: What do you do when you feel angry?

A: Throw things or cry.

from Victor

Q: Hey Johnny, I like the way you skate very much. It's been a long time since I last saw such great mixture between technical sense and gracefulness (you are truly a Russian skater ;) ). I was curious when did you jump the first Quad? Have you ever jumped a Quad in combination?

A: I landed my first quad when I was 17. I tried it in competition the first time when I was 20. I have landed many different quad combinations.

from Abby

Q: Don't you think the idea of portraying "Jesus" in you program doesn't make any sense knowing that you don't believe in the Bible?! I think it's absurd, so please give me an explanation!

A: I am not playing Jesus himself. I am portraying the story of Jesus. You don't have to believe in the Bible to appreciate the story. There's nothing absurd about it.

from Melissa

Q: Hi Johnny! I'm a huge fan of your skating, and think that your outspoken personality brings a unique and refreshing aspect to figure skating!! I recently read an article that said Sasha Cohen would be taking time off from skating and appearing in movies/tv shows. Would you ever be interested in starring in a movie or tv show? If so, what type of movie would you be in/what actors would you like to work with? Thanks and Best of Luck at Nationals and Worlds!!

A: Maybe one day I'll be interested in doing a film. I would love to be on the set and learn the lines and perform and have millions of people see the movie! I am being parodied in the new movie, "Blades of Glory" so I'm kind of in a movie! I have to focus on skating first though.

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