First of all, if you don't already subscribe to the World Figure Skating Report, you're missing out on some great interviews and audio news updates. Log on to hear exclusive conversations with Johnny Weir, Parts I and II, taped via telephone at the start of his 2006-2007 season.
Johnny reports that one of his focuses this year was to present a less effeminate persona on the ice. He announced he isn't wearing as many rhinestones, and his costumes and choreography will be more masculine than he's used to.
His goal, of course, includes landing the quad. As added incentive, if he nails the four-revolutions-in-the-air jump, Johnny's mom has agreed to quit smoking. He continues this interview in "normal" and respectful, non-flamboyant tone that seems atypical to his character. Do you remember back to pre-Olympics when the skater said that everyone should be afraid of what he's going to say? He referred to his costumes in terms of glorified drug abuse, to say the least. During this interview, however, there was no mention of "Weir Eye for the Straight Guy" or any other staged outlandishness.
The quieter, almost reserved-sounding Weir also reveals that he had mononucleosis while he competed at Worlds '06 in Calgary. Maybe that explains why he skated less than his best, skipped out on most of practice, and seemed closed off to the audience. He says he doesn't remember much of Worlds, that he was far too tired and sick to do his best there. He looks beyond his seventh place finish last year and forward to the rest of this season.
Likewise, we look forward to WFR finally posting Part III of their conversation with Johnny Weir. Until then, take a look at one of the videos below of the US National Champion or his journal. His entry on December 3, 2006, is more reflective in voice as Johnny recounts his Cup of Russia experience.
In Russia, this was the first time his choreographer, former Ice Dance World Champion Marina Anassina, was present at one of his competitions. She was a great support, and so were Johnny's fans. He said they made him feel like a rock star, but attempted humility when comparing himself to other skaters. He, in fact, said: "It's just not fair." The other skaters had time to practice before August and I didn't, so there's no way I could compete. I know I chose to tour, but it still isn't fair for me to expect myself to be on Brian Joubert's level... [whine] Brian has four solid quads in his program this year.
Hey Johnny: Isn't there an ethical issue with you taking on skating jobs that will impede your ability to maintain world class competitiveness? The rules now allow for you to make money touring, but you've got the next fifteen years to show off on the pro circuits. Why not concentrate on your eligible career and save the whining for Tonya Harding interview re-runs?
Johnny Weir's Skating Videos
(Don't worry; you can enjoy these for personal use. The amateurs who uploaded the actual videos assume accountability.)
Johnny's 2006 Cup of Russia Short Program
Johnny Weir's 2005 World Championships Exhibition Program
Interview at 2005 Skate Canada: "Jumps are just jumps, and anyone can land those."
Johnny at 2001 World Junior Figure Skating Championships
