| news |
| profile |
| favorites |
| journal |
| events |
| programs |
| gallery |
| interact |
| home |
 |
|
contact |
Write Johnny:
Email Johnny:
Fan Forum: |
questions & answers |
Here are Johnny's latest answers to your questions.
SEPTEMBER 2008
from Young Q: Hey Johnny. What do you think about the wrong edge call? There was a deduction in your flip jump at the World Championships. I think edge correction is not easy. But you've already started fixing that problem? Thanks. A: It was a correct call. I, like many skaters, do a flip from an outside edge. It seems that many skaters do either a flip from an outside edge or a lutz from an inside edge and from what I’ve learned it has a lot to do with basic body construction. People with narrow hips have an easier time doing outside edges while people with wider hips find it easier to do an inside edge. Of course, basic jump technique can also play a major part in these deficiencies. It is hard for me to think of any skater who does both a correct lutz and flip. I am working on doing a proper flip, but after a certain amount of time skating, it is hard to fix something you’ve been doing wrong for ten years.
from Lili Q: Do you like China? I am Chinese. I think I love your performances. A:I really enjoy going to China. China is so different from my country and it is wonderful to see those differences. When I was younger I got to walk on the Great Wall and it was such an amazing moment in my life. In general I enjoy seeing the differences in all the countries and cities I visit.
from Lovie Q: Do you read figure skating news in magazines and on message boards like Figure Skating Universe? Or do you just learn things through the grapevine? Or do you not even care what anyone else is doing? A: I am human, so gossip can be very funny or interesting to learn but I don’t live for it. I definitely do not go on gossip pages and such. I went one time to the main gossip board when I was younger and found it very negative and mean. It is easy to say something terrible about someone when you have a computer in front of you and nobody can see you. In general I have very little time for gossip. Usually I can hear almost everything about everyone by sitting at my ice rink for five minutes. Sometimes things are funny, but in general, I don’t care.
from Helene Q: Johnny! I watch your Worlds short program almost everyday because it gives me the most amazing chills in the world. You were so beautiful, so graceful, so very Johnny Weir. You were it! How does it feel to have that kind of performance? How happy are you to finally be a World medalist? Could you imagine that at this time last year? I’m so proud of you for always sticking with your skating even though there were so many troubles. You always had me on the edge your whole career. You are a strong person Johnny. You’re so handsome too. I adore you. I hope you win Skate America to prove you’re the national champion. Hugs from Helene A: Thank you. My World Championships short program was one of the best performances I’ve had in my career. For me, it was absolutely clean. I was so happy to have that performance in what could be likely my last World Championship in Europe. To win the bronze medal was amazing but also a little bittersweet. I know I could have won the championship if I’d believed in myself a little more and fought a little harder, but in the end I am very happy to have won a medal for my country and for myself. A year ago, I couldn’t have imagined my season would have been as good as it was. It shows that I am strong enough and can work hard enough and that all my difficult decisions really worked for me.
from Franklin Q: Hey Johnny, love your artful skating! Got a few short questions. What Olympic sport, other than ice skating, do you like? I love classical music, do you? If so, what's your favorite piece? Is there a piece of music you've never used for a program that you would like to use on day? You’re my favorite ice skater, and I watch for you whenever we get to see ice skating on television. Keep on skating, and can't wait to see you in the 2010 Winter Olympics!! :) :) A: I really enjoy watching gymnastics and diving on television. I also have gotten really interested in tennis. I love classical music. There are several pieces I have never used that I’d love to skate to, “Snowstorm” by Sviridov and “Carmen Suite” by Bizet. Both of those pieces are overused in skating, but I still love them. I also really enjoy listening to Albinoni’s Adagio. I considered using a piece this year by Saint-Preux called “Concert for One Voice” which I love, but it wasn’t quite right for me.
from Jake Q: Hey, Johnny. Regardless of your orientation, you seem to be really confident and comfortable in your own skin, and I admire that. So, my question to you is—what advice would you give to a young guy that knows he is gay but does not know how people will take the news? A: Thank you. Perhaps I am naïve but I think that everyone is equal. I believe that there should be no standard set forth by anyone. If you are gay, you’re gay, you don’t need to justify it, much like an Asian person doesn’t need to justify being Asian, they just are. To me, people who can’t “take the news” are people you don’t need around you, regardless of your way of life. In my opinion, be the best person you can be in whatever you believe is your way and screw anyone that tries to take your chance at happiness away. Life is way to short to be hung up about what other’s think. There is so much discrimination in this world, white versus black and vise versa, America versus the Middle East, gay men versus gay women, the Taliban versus America, North Koreans versus South Koreans and so on that I tend to believe people stop living their lives and start living for a cause. I live for me and no one else. Maybe that is shallow or not right to some people, but I find it works for me. Be comfortable in your own skin, and be happy with who you are.
from Mike Q: Frankly Johnny, I think you were robbed at nationals without a doubt. I think you were absolutely robbed with that silver medal. Are you still upset with the result? I think you have every right to be but you came out ahead in the end. You’re a World medalist my friend. Thanks for answering Johnny! Mike A: Thank you. I was not upset with a silver medal. I believe that a silver medal means you are the first person in line who didn’t win. In my opinion I tied for a gold medal and lost on a technicality. I am certainly not upset with the job I did and how well I skated and how I came back from a disaster in the previous Nationals. I was over being dejected about five minutes after accepting the silver medal. I felt like anyone else who didn’t win that day, work hard and win next time.
from Anette Q: Hey Johnny! I hope things are going great for you these days. I have a question that may sound weird, but I thought it's worth a try. So.... usually, where do you keep your skates? I'm asking this because previously, I've seen an interview segment with Brian Joubert where he kept his skates in his bathroom. I was curious if that's a common thing among skaters or it's just an odd habit of his. Thanks. :) A: A bathroom sounds fine to me. I personally keep mine in a coat closet in my foirier.
from Alexana Q: I noticed you used Yunona I Avos on your short program, and this is not the first time. I would like to know what is the main theme of this music and why you like. A: I love the music because I love the story and history behind the music. I was so inspired the first time I saw the musical and I felt that it was a truly tragic love story. It was right up my alley. I love sad and dramatic pieces and it definitely fit that bill.
from Jung-Woo Q: Hey Johnny. I really enjoy watching figure skating and I'm a big fan of Yu-Na Kim. Just wondering, what do you think about her? A: I think Yu-na is a wonderful skater and a very intelligent young woman. She has a strong mind and is not afraid to say what she thinks. I believe in her ability very much. I hope Yu-na can become a World and Olympic champion. With all of her talents, she is still very down to Earth and almost shy about herself at times, it’s endearing. She is very sweet.
from Jane Q: Hi Johnny. Who is your favorite figure skater? A: My favorite figure skaters of all time are Oksana Baiul and Irina Slutskaya.
from Miki Q: Hi Johnny! I hope spring and summer are treating you well and all is good in your life! Based on the new pictures in your gallery, it looks like you've recently met quite a few celebrities! I'm sure most angels would agree that it's such a joy-if not an absolute rush- to meet you in person! I doubt that there's ever been a non-enthusiastic Angel greeting for you. So this leads me to ask, is there any celebrity that you've met that you've just totally fanboy'ed out on? :) or at least really really wanted to. And people you haven't met don't count! :P haha Thanks Johnny! and take care! A: I was really nervous to meet Dima Bilan. My Russian is still a little sketchy sometimes so I was worried I’d say something stupid or wrong. I got a good photo with him and he autographed a postcard for Eurovision for me and he said he was impressed I could speak Russian. He also commented on my skating saying it was very elegant and he was impressed with the pancake spin and even tried to do it himself! Usually people don’t make me nervous, situations do. Zhenya Plushenko introduced me to Dima so it was as comfortable as possible.
from Katie Q: Do you think the rivalry between Shawn Johnson and Liukin compares to the rivalry you have with Evan Lysacek? And do you consider yourself more Nastia and Evan more as a Shawn? A: I definitely do! Before Olympics even started I was talking to Nastia about the whole rivalry thing and we were laughing at how similar our situations are! I can see Nastia and I as a team, the dramatic, elegant ones and Evan and Shawn more as the P.C., consistent, fireworks ones. I am so happy Nastia won the all-around! She was perfection.
from Maria Q: Do you really believe that you were the young, Polish girl in the former life? A: It is a story that a psychic told me. I believe the story. There are so many coincidences in my life that could trace back to such a history and I definitely believe it. I have studied the Holocaust, Judaism, the second great war since before I even knew what a war was and in my mind, there has to be a reason for that.
from Sandy Q: Johnny, how do you feel about Stephane Lambiel picking Petrenko as his new coach for next season?
from Janice Q: What do you usually do before you go to bed? A: I shower, watch an episode of a show or half of a movie, have a glass of water and my vitamins, I pray for a better tomorrow and go to sleep. I am fairly boring!
from Lena Q: Hi Johnny. What was the best compliment you have ever received? Best of luck to you! A: When people tell me that I helped them through a rough time in their life by a performance or by an interview I am in awe. Always. It is such an overwhelming compliment.
from Jeong-eun Q: Hey Johnny. Hope you have a great summer! Here's my question. What is one thing that you would really like to learn how to do? A: I need to learn to sew. I need to learn Hebrew, Japanese, Korean and Norwegian. I would really like to learn to fly!
from Bob Q: Hi Johnny. What is your take on the criticism of the WNBA star (forgot her name, sorry) who played for the Russian team in the Olympics. Some people called her a "traitor" while other people think it is great. Also, would you skate for Russia in the Olympics or Worlds if asked? Bob A: I think most major sports team in the United States are made up of players from other countries in addition to Americans. Nobody was upset when Yao Ming didn’t play for America, it was natural that he play for China. A lot of people have asked me this question. I am American to the core, but my version of being American may be different than most. I would see it as an enormous compliment if Russia or any country thought enough of me to ask me to represent their country. If everything was in order and I was a citizen of that country and was able, I think I would. At the moment I carry one passport, and am committed to winning medals for my country. Another thing I say a lot is that I feel I represent every country when I take the ice. In Sweden at the world championships this year I had flags waving from USA, Sweden, Russia, Ireland, Hungary and Japan. That is an enormous compliment to me. As American as I am, and as proud of my country as I am, I feel it is important to be a good representative of our world and all it’s peoples and cultures.
from anonymous Q: I like your Style in skating. Can you cook yourself? Do you cook everyday? A: I do cook. I don’t cook every day of my life, but I cook or prepare meals myself every day. I am really good at making fantastic salads and salad dressings, I am can cook lamb and beef. The only thing I can’t get right every time is fish!
from Junna Q: Which Japanese anime or comic do you like the best? A: Cheburashka is of course my favorite cartoon, but as far as others go I like Atomic Boy and Mighty Mouse.
from Norka Q: I love the way that u skate but I want to ask u "are u happy?"I mean if u are happy now with all the things and people that u have around u, did u never feel sad skating? A: I cry at least three times a week and I am not ashamed. I think it’s healthy to have mood swings and be sad and happy. Of course I am not always happy with my life. Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if certain aspects of it were different. I think I have a fantastic life and I thank God or whatever is watching over us every day that I can do something I love and that my life is reasonably comfortable. The one thing that is hard is that I get lonely at times. To be a sportsman and a high level sportsman especially is to lead a very structured and sometimes lonely life. It is part of my life so I can accept it.
from Julia Q: I know you’re not happy having to compete at Skate America. Are you excited to have the World Championships in your home country? Or would you prefer to skate some place else like Russia? A: I am happy to compete at Skate America. It is the only Grand Prix event that I have never participated in. My first choice was of course Cup of Russia but it is because I love to perform and compete there. I also got used to celebrating Thanksgiving with borscht and pelmeni! I am very excited to invite the world to my country for the world championships. I have never competed in a major international event in America so this year I will hopefully have two great experiences at home.
from Jemma Q: There have been articles about you stating that you will have your own TV. show. Is that true? Then what channel will it air on? Anytime soon? A: The first major production on TV will be a documentary film about my life during the 06-07 season and a little bit before and after that. It will appear on the Sundance channel. A date hasn’t been set yet but it should be early in 09. If everything goes well, my reality series will also be on Sundance starting with the 07-08 season and continuing on until the Olympics. I have learned from all this that television takes forever! It is very exciting though. I am happy that people will get a chance to see what my life is really like. I get judged in general, by quotes in newspapers and the was I skate on TV so it is not always my most shining moments, this will give people a chance to see who I really am driving a tractor, packing for an event, and hopefully not being a diva.
from Peter Q: Johnny, you are the most talented skater in the entire world. If you were the World Champion, which two Grand Prix events would you have chosen to compete in? Are you upset that you have the first and last events? How hard will it be to prepare for that? Also, are you upset that you will be skating against your main rival (Evan Lysacek) in the first event of the season? I wish you the best Johnny. I think you’re fabulous boy. A: I was actually able to choose which two Grand Prix’s I wanted this season. The top three men are seeded and must all compete in different events. Jeffrey Buttle chose first, Brian Joubert second, and I got what was left over. I originally chose China and Russia because it was a great schedule for me last year. After Buttle chose China and Canada, my federation invited me to compete in Skate America and Brian Joubert originally wanted Skate America, so after my invitation was secure to America the French federation took Russia for Brian. It will be difficult to compete in the first and final events, but it is not so important. I will try to do a good job in both events regardless of where they fall on a calendar. Evan Lysacek is not my main rival in the world, in the USA, yes, but in the world there are many. It will push me to be more prepared for my first event of the season, but in no way am I upset Lysacek will be there. I am ready for the challenge.
from Alia Q: Are you taking Evgeny Plushenko return seriously? Because do you think he could make a comeback after being out of competition for so long? A: In reality Zhenya hasn’t been out of competition for that long. Two seasons is not an eternity. I think if he wants to come back, and he has the health and strength to work, he will come back. He is a strong person. I do think it will be more difficult to compete now than in 2006. In general the men have all gotten stronger and more adept with the new judging system. Regardless, he will always be a great and champion and have a great deal of respect from me.
from Rebekka Q: What are your inspirations for skating? A: Not to fall into mediocrity. I strive every day to be better than the day before and at events to be the best skater competing. I am so inspired by the fact that I may not be the best that it pushes me forward.
from Madison Q: Do you ever think that your fans are too intense? I know that support is important for anyone who does what you do. However, it seems like they become too involved in your life and are sometimes borderline stalkers. Do you ever wish they didn’t pay so much attention to you? How do you feel about Johnny’s Angels? A: I am always shocked and amazed by my fans. There are a lot of “Angels” and they come from every corner of the Earth from Fiji to Moscow, and Albany to Tokyo. I could not be who I am as a skater without them and I support them as much as they support me. I feel that I have the strongest group of fans in the World. I have had some problems with stalkers and people wanting to get in too far, but in general my fans respect me and I respect them. I feel bad at times when I don’t remember a name or a certain event that happened with different fans, but I try my best to remember as much as possible. My fans are the greatest. Someone once wrote me a nasty letter (a Lysacek fan) about how aggressive my “army” was, and I wrote back simply saying to each their own. My fans are not aggressive towards me or the ones I love, so it is not my problem. I wish every group of fans could support one another though. I know for a long time there were issues between Kwan fans and Cohen fans and Plushenko/Yagudin fan clubs. You can have your favorites, but it is important to support all of these skaters who get out there and show their lives work to you all.
from Tiana Q: Hello from Utah! I love your new pics by the way. My question is, during the "off-season," do you change your diet? (Allow a naughty treat or two) Or because you're still performing does it stay the same? Also, does your Mom get nervous when she watches you skate? I'm just curious because I'm always crossing my fingers & saying "come on you can do it!" (at the TV) when you skate. And I don't even know you! (Ok, so that was 2 questions....)Thanks! You Rock!! A: My diet changes very little. In the off-season I’ll allow myself to have a treat I normally wouldn’t, or to have a week where I don’t count calories or weigh myself. To be a serious athlete though, you have to be conscious and understand diet. My mother gets terrified when I skate. I am happy she is able to watch but she has bruised her arms, broken rings from clenching a seat too hard and she talks to me and sways around like a crazy person (I’m told).
from Gily Q: Hi Johnny. I’m thrilled to hear about your new programs for the season. How do they compare to the programs you’ve had in the past? What type of costumes are you going to wear? Are you designing them or does Galina design them now? I hope you do good this season. A: It is beyond difficult to fit the elements in the short program this year. There is barely a second to breath. I am predicting a lot of people ending after their music this season. My programs are going really well so far. My long program will be one of the best I’ve had, I hope and the short program as well. I really enjoy both of them. I have designed both costumes for the season. I wanted a very theatrical approach, and a very literal approach. I was inspired by so many things. I hope they come out well. I actually just started fittings today!
from Mary Q: How do you feel about Evan Lysacek working with your old choreographer Tatiana Tarasova? Do you think that it’s appropriate to do something like that? Would you ever work with his coach Frank or old choreographer Lori? A: I think if Evan feels he can gain something, inspiration or something from working with Tatiana Anatolievna it will be good for him. Of course I wish I had exclusive rights to everyone I’ve loved working with, but it is not real! I am excited to see what kind of thought she’s given him. All skaters try to better themselves every year, and if it is Evan’s way more power to him. I would never work with his old choreographer and I wouldn’t work with his coach. I am not spiteful. I am not so vain to think that he worked with Tatiana Anatolievna to spite me.
from Lolo Q: Have you shown Stephane around New York City? Do you two hang out on the weekends? A: Stephane and I actually have very little interaction when he’s in New Jersey. I am generally so busy that I have little time for running around. Of course, Stephane is my friend, but we see each other every day at the rink, I want to be as far away from skating as possible on my days off!
from Stephanie Q: I saw on your page that you went on vacation with your younger brother. Have you and your brother always been close to each other? I have a younger sister but we weren’t very close until we got older. We fought a lot as kids. Is that the same for you and Boz? (What does Boz stand for?) Do you hang out with him a lot? Has he ever tried figure skating? A: My brother is very cool. Boz is a nickname he’s had since birth. It is a nickname after Brian Bozworth, a football player. I got the feeling a few years ago when he graduated high school, that I didn’t know him as well as I should. I have been traveling and busy and training since he was only eight, and I feel like he grew up and I didn’t know it! I wanted to take the vacation with him to just hang out, talk, hear about his problems, tell him about mine and so on. We have a very mature relationship and we always have. I was never a bad older brother nor was he the annoying younger brother. I miss him a lot when I don’t see him. He tried to skate a few times when he was younger. He actually was good. I used to teach him the jumps I’d learned on the ice on the trampoline and he could rotate ten times faster than me. I am happy he doesn’t skate, not only is it a tough world to be in and he is a bit fragile for it, but he would have probably been better than me!
|
Johnny Weir Online is written and produced by Johnny Weir in cooperation with the webmaster and Figure Skaters Online. All content and images remain property of their respective authors and photographers and may not be reproduced.
© Figure Skaters Online, 1999-2008
Photograph on this page © Kathleen Bangs