Title: Around the World in a Month (JFK-PEK-HRB-HRB-PEK-SVO-JFK)
Note: "I want to thank people at ESPN, staffers at USFSA and members of Skating Magazine for taking prompt action in recognizing my award that I was upset had gone unrecognized. I immediately got reactions from everyone after my latest journal entry was posted and I want to thank them for getting to me so quickly. I overreacted and they were a little out of the loop as far as my award, 'Lyubov k Rossii' goes. I am sorry for anyone I offended or hurt with my rant and I am glad the award is getting recognized by my country and federation. Thanks." (Added December 7, 2007)
Hello to everyone! I really hope you're all enjoying this skating season and preparations for the holidays aren't too crazy! I have been a busy boy since my last entry. I'll try to fill in all the blanks.
In early October I went to Yokohama, Japan to perform in a Team USA versus Team Japan event. It was called the International Counter Match. As always, Japan was a wonderful host for me. I always feel so welcome and almost at home in Japan. I debuted my new short program at the event and helped the USA men win the men's title. The event was a real wake-up call for me. I have always felt like one of the youngsters because I came into the senior level at a young age, but now I know I'm really senior. When you're perched atop a kiss and cry couch with girls and boys still in high school it hits you pretty fast! I won't say I'm old, because I'm not, but I felt so "senior."
Mirai Nagasu really impressed me on the trip. She is very intelligent and talented for a girl who is so young. I thought it was so respectful for her to use her Japanese in any way she could. There are a lot of US skaters who speak other languages but are afraid to use their skills, and Mirai put it out there and I know the Japanese appreciated it. Anyway, enough gushing, moving on.
Five days after I returned from Japan, I left for Moscow to perform in an awards show along with the best Russian skating stars. I was honored to win the award "Lyubov k Rossii" which means "The Love of Russia." I was in Moscow for less than one day total, but I really enjoyed my time there. I flew into the first snowstorm of Moscow's winter and it was so beautiful, almost like a special gift just for me. :) Many of my friends were at the show and performed i the show so I definitely felt right at home.
Taking inspiration from Mirai in Japan, I tried to use my Russian as much as possible, in every interview. I even gave my acceptance speech in Russian, short and sweet! I have to admit though, I asked Maxim Marinin to check my grammar! I skated very well and was happy to perform Yunona once again for my Russian fans. The media was kind of crazy but I loved it. I was sad to leave Moscow, but I'd be back very soon!
When I returned from Russia, I was expecting to see some kind of announcement from my federation or the US Olympic Committee that I had won an award, but I didn't see anything. I know it's interesting when Evan Lysacek attends a movie premiere, and I could pee myself with glee if Kimmie Meissner throws out one more pitch at a baseball game, but I actually won something! I am very proud of it and that's why I'm ranting, forgive me! To me the award signified something very special. I am American, and I was being honored by a Russian institution and company. Considering past and current relations between the two countries, I think it's marvelous that a little white kid from Pennsylvania is presented an award from one of Russia's greatest Olympic champions, Alexei Yagudin. To me being a good American, is appreciation and respect for other cultures because in general, most American's are not true native americans. When I travel, to any country, I try to give American's a good face and name and not be an "Ugly American." I do my best, and I got an award for it, but I think nobody in my country is proud of it except for me and my family! So, in the spirit of not being mean I'll stop this paragraph. In October, I won the award, "Lyubov k Rossii," and I'm just as proud of it as any medal.
After Russia, I started hardcore training for my Grand Prix assignments in China and Russia. I would be away from home for three and a half weeks because between my two events I would stay in Russia to train. I had no huge expectations for my events, only to improve on last years performances and try to qualify for the Grand Prix Final in Torino. Let me just say, it is hell trying to pack two suitcases for three weeks of travel!
When I left for China I felt very prepared. I had been through my short program and long program cleanly and felt like I could do it anywhere at anytime. I faced stiff competition in China from Evan Lysacek, Stephane Lambiel, and Sergey Davydov. I felt my short program was okay. I was a small margin away from my personal best and a small margin away from being in first place. In the free program I let it rip. It had been a long time since my last clean free program and I finally did it again. I felt like every jump floated, the spins were good and the impression of the program was good. I defeated my three year old personal best score and won the event. I was so happy. Galina Yakovlevna was thrilled with what I had done and she was so excited when I won.
I was nervous to go to China. I hadn't been in seven years and I was uncomfortable there the first time I went. Over the summer I got a sad letter from one of the leaders of my Chinese fan club saying that the majority of Chinese members had given up on me and they had stopped supporting me. She said that if I ever come to China to be prepared for nobody to clap for me. I was prepared for that and got the complete opposite. The fans were friendly and supportive and thrilled when I won. I was happy to maybe change the opinions of some of the Chinese fans.
As for China itself, I don't know how they'll manage to clear up the pollution in time for the Olympics. It was such a problem for me. I have trouble breathing normally anyway, but the air was thick like honey and made anything very tiring and difficult. I feel bad for the marathoners and outdoor athletes especially. In any event, the competition was a success and I was off to my second home, Russia!
I flew into Moscow with the Russian team from Cup of China, so I as happy I knew some people I was traveling with. Galina Yakovlevna had gone in a day early and was due to pick me up at the airport. I arrived and quickly scurried to my home for the next bit of time, Hotel Metropol in downtown Moscow. The hotel was really beautiful and comfortable and I was so happy to be there. I had a day off and started training the next day at Katok Olympiskii with Elena Tchaikovskaya's group. It was nice to train with high level skaters including one of my competitors, Sergey Davydov. Aside from practices, my week was packed with restaurants, shopping and shows. I went to the book release party of Marina Anissina, saw Yunona and Avos and met Nikolai Tsikaridze after he performed as the evil genius in the Bolshoy's production of "Swan Lake." I really tried to soak up as much as I could. I worked very hard on my skating that week, but it was very nice to some relaxing and fun things too. I felt inspired and ready to perform.
My second week in Moscow was the week of Cup of Russia. I moved to the official hotel and settled in for another crazy week. The American team was very small at Cup of Russia and I was happy to be the "leader" of the team so to speak. I had never met our dance team before so it was a nice meeting. My mom and aunt traveled to both China and Russia and were on hand as well as many of my Russian fans and friends. I can say I received a really royal welcome to the competition. My fans were there to support me from arrival to departure and it made competing and skating for them so nice. Early in the week I got sick. Galina Yakovlevna immediately went into overdrive trying to get me healthy. I was drinking salt water and iodine and lemons and cough drops and having my lungs steamed and everything. I hadn't sick in a long time, but I know I don't like it. I was finally feeling a little bit better before the short.
In the short program I skated clean and was second once again. I did beat my personal best though which was one positive. In my free program I was so nervous. I could barely breathe when I took the ice, but Galina helped calm me down and focus me on what I needed to do. I did my second clean free program of the Grand Prix and won my second title by ten points. I also assured myself a spot in the Grand Prix Final. I think my performance in China was better overall, but I was just thrilled to follow one victory with another. Everything went as perfect as I could have expected. By the time I left Russia my head was in the clouds, I feel that I'm back. I am comfortable to compete and train and I'm happy that I made the right decisions this season. I was heartbroken to leave Moscow. It was an amazing trip and I miss it!
Now I'm back in New Jersey training and preparing for the Final. I think I have good chances to do well and everything is running in the right direction to becoming National and World champion this season. It's what I want and I expect nothing less than my best effort. While I was away, I was confronted with a lot of questions from people, so I wanted to answer a few that I don't think I've fully explained.
+The Quad+
I got asked a million times about a quad. I have decided that I don't want to answer the question anymore. After five years of the question, and always giving the same answer, people just aren't getting it. I will do it when I'm ready. I skated two clean competitions without a quad, won two gold medals and am happy. I'll take it. I am being proactive about training the element, but at this moment, it's not the most important thing to me. To quad or not to quad can be debated forever, but I absolutely REFUSE to define my sport by one element.
+My Costumes+
I designed both of my costumes this year with some input from Natella Abdulaeva-Denze. I will say I don't have a stitch of Dior. The House of Christian Dior was made famous by using a more voluptuous silhouette after World War II and is a bit too "masculine" for me. Instead, I am glitter bomb and loving it. I have had only one short program costume this season, and after Japan decided to take off some white around my waist because it made me look too heavy. If you look closely on my free program you'll notice a bright red broken heart.
+Melissa and Denis+
Melissa and Denis are doing well after their accident at Skate Canada. I was watching their results online that morning and knew something was wrong. I was so worried and I was so relieved when I spoke to them that night and knew they'd be fine. They look better than ever now. I did design their costumes for the season, and for their free dance Denis is representing the immigrant, and Melissa the land of the free and peace.
+Galina Yakovlevna at Competitions+
Galina is very different than Priscilla. Priscilla used to give me my space while Galina is on top of every movement and bead of sweat. It's different and very nice. She always has a good joke to make me relax.
+Viktor Petrenko+
Viktor is working with me on a daily basis. He helps Galina with jumping technique and skates with me through my programs to encourage me. He's been such an amazing friend and coach. He also has a good eye for the new system as a top level specialist. He called for me at the Olympic Games.
+My Russian+
Galina and I communicate in a mixture of Russian and English. I'd say we speak Russian 75% of the time. Viktor always speaks English. Nina Petrenko who works with me on choreography usually speaks Russian even though her English is better than mine! I am working hard at home to improve my grammar and to expand my vocabulary.
I think that's pretty much everything for now. I'm sorry if I offended anyone regarding support, pollution, and anything else. I am NOT sorry if I offended anyone about Christian Dior because it was too perfect not to make a joke about. In closing, I am so happy with how my life is going and I'm looking forward to whatever comes next. Enjoy the holidays everyone!
Love,
Johnny
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