U.S. Figure Skating and SKATING magazine announced today that 2010 U.S. bronze medalist Johnny Weir has won the 2010 Readers’ Choice Award for Skater of the Year (Michelle Kwan Trophy). Weir also won the award in 2008, making him the only two-time winner other than Kwan herself.

With the new season only months away, 2010 Four Continents Champion Adam Rippon launched a redesigned AdamRippon.com website with new features, including an expanded news page and fan zone. Rippon has had an official site, in cooperation with Figure Skaters Online, since 2006.

Three-time U.S. champion Johnny Weir announced today he will not compete during the 2010-11 season, taking time off from competition to concentrate on his skating technique and pursue other interests. “My decision comes after months of weighing the pros and cons of competing this season,” Weir said. “I have decided that I need a year to rest and reinvent myself as an athlete and artist. I say this with the hope of returning as a competitor for the 2011-12 season.”

Johnny Weir released an open letter to fans regarding his decision to take a hiatus from competitive skating. “I would like to officially announce that I am withdrawing my name from the 2010-2011 competitive season. My decision comes after months of weighing the pros and cons of competing this season, and I have decided that I need a year to explore and reinvent myself as an athlete and artist,” he writes in the opening paragraph.