Johnny Weir
Figure Skating - Singles
2006 Olympian
2010 Olympic hopeful
Personal Specs
Height: 5'9"
Coach: Galina Zmievskaya
Short List Performance
- 2006 Olympic Winter Games - fifth
- 2008 World Championships bronze medalist
- Three-time U.S. champion (2004, 2005, 2006)
- Ranked No. 8 in the ISU World Standings as of May 2009
Vancouver Watch
Weir's fifth-place showing at the 2009 U.S. Championships was his worst since withdrawing in 2003. Since the 2006 Olympic Winter Games, Evan Lysacek and Jeremy Abbott have joined Weir among the elite American skaters, and U.S. silver medalist Brandon Mroz is also in the discussion. However, Weir's pedigree makes him one to watch at any international event. He is a three-time National champion and a World bronze medalist.
Personal
Weir began skating at age 12 after watching 1994 Olympic women's gold medalist Oksana Baiul on TV, trying out jumps on roller skates in his family's basement. He switched to ice in the winter when the corn field behind his house froze over. He performed an Axel after one week of lessons and quit equestrian for skating for financial reasons. Weir was a high school honor roll student. He beat Lysacek to win the 2001 Junior World Championships at age 16, beginning a decade-long rivalry. His hobbies include fashion, shopping, music and travel. He aspires to be a fashion designer, wants a Fashion Institute of Technology degree and has modeled on runways. Weir is a supporter of several groups, including Figure Skating in Harlem, Elton John Aids Foundation, Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity and UNICEF. He can speak Russian and French. Weir has his own clothing line in Korea: "Be Unique."
Did You Know...?
- Owns two Chihuahuas, Bon-Bon and Vanya
- One of his idols is not a figure skater, but a singer - Christina Aguilera
- Fascinated with Russia, Korea and Japan, where he has many fans
- Favorite TV shows include "Ugly Betty," "BBC World" and "Desperate Housewives," "Gossip Girls" and "Project Runway"