Johnny Weir is fluent in Russian. [203] The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination (GLAAD) launched a protest against the tour, claiming that it was "a clear jab at his perceived sexual orientation",[203] but Smucker's, the tour's biggest sponsor, said that GLAAD's information was inaccurate, and that Stars on Ice did not have enough room for Weir. [138] At Worlds, Weir was in second place after the short program. John Garvin Weir[1] (/wr/; born July 2, 1984)[2] is an American figure skater and television commentator. In the free skate, Weir skated immediately after Lysacek, whose performance made the crowd leap to their feet. He was first after the short program, but came in second place overall, slightly behind Gheorghe Chiper from Romania. [105] Weir toured again with Champions on Ice in-between seasons, his longest tour with them to date; he chose Frank Sinatra's "My Way", "for its obvious symbolism", as his performance number. We are competing against each other and showing who is the better skater.". Figure Skating named Lysacek, Weir, and Carriere eligible to compete at the Worlds Championships. [58][59] Weir's trip to Japan marked the first time he came "face-to-face"[60] with Johnny's Angels, a group of figure skating fans who supported Weir emotionally and financially. He also received 5.8s and 5.9s in his technical score. Figure-skating commentators Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir couldn't hide their relief after suspected doping cheat, Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee, stunningly plummeted from gold . He did not include a quadruple jump but completed a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination and had higher-scoring spins than Lysacek. Don't misunderstand this wasn't Vin . [77] He also stated that although people were initially uncomfortable with the program, it would become one of most his most popular programs and would "completely change the world's perception of me". [107] He also appeared in an episode, in which he called "my entertainment TV debut",[108] of My Life on the D-List with comedian Kathy Griffin, in which he taught Griffin how to skate. Tuesday, however, when Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva performed after failing a pre-Olympics drug test, they were uncharacteristically quiet. This is a big jump from 2014 when Weir entered the world of broadcasting. He received low marks for an upright spin because he did not clearly change skating edges. [114] His free skating program, in which he portrayed the life of Christ, was the weakest of the season; Weir disliked his costume and his program did not go over well with spectators and judges. Explore Johnny weir's Bio-Wiki, net worth & salary in 2023. Figure Skating named Weir to the U.S. World Championships team. ", There has been growing outrage over Russia's anti-gay laws, with figures includingStephen Fry,Harvey Fierstein and Jay Leno evoking Nazi Germany, which held the 1936 Olympic Games under Hitler's leadership; President Obama told Leno this week that American and other nations would not tolerate gay athletes being singled out by Russia, which he said has "a big stake in making sure the Olympics work. NBC has correctly used LeDuc's pronouns on social media. Former Olympians Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir condemn the decision to allow Russian skater Kamila Valieva to compete following a failed drug test. He two-footed his quadruple toe loop, doubled a planned triple-triple combination jump, popped another triple Axel combination, and later in the program, fell on a triple loop. He taught himself to speak and read the language. [80] Weir was aware of the impact it would make on the public and in the figure skating world, and that it could harm his reputation with the judges;[81] he later stated, "Gender bending would take me into a whole new and very taboo area, where I would stand totally alone". The press, especially in the U.S., made much out of the rivalry between Weir and his fellow competitor and rival, Evan Lysacek. [111] He began working with ice dancer Marina Anissina, who choreographed both his short program and free skate. [203], Weir took the next two seasons off from competitive skating, focusing on his personal life, figure skating shows, a singing career, and celebrity events. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. [68] Weir had "the heavy burden of defending a title for the first time",[69] but he was able to control his nerves and win his second Nationals title in a row and the first repeat U.S. Nationals championship since Michael Weiss in 1999 and 2000. Russian skater Kamila Valieva is at the center of a doping scandal that's rocked the Beijing Olympics. [173] Its promotional commercial aired during the U.S. Nationals; Weir later expressed his opinion that U.S. Nationals. Weir later told reporters that he was disappointed in his spins, but his footwork sequences were "spectacular", and he scored 80.55 points. Johnny Weir (@JohnnyGWeir) February 17, 2022 Johnny and Tara similarly didn't speak when Kamila got the top score in her short program on Tuesday. [128][129], Over the summer of 2007, Weir again toured with Stars on Ice. Nationals. [11][12], Weir's father had competed in English saddle events. Weir was raised in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, winning several equestrian competitions before switching to figure skating at the age of 12. [116][122][125] Weir also said, "Evan didn't just beat me[h]e kicked my ass",[122] and called his free skate "probably the most difficult performance of my career thus far". Please keep u/HomoCoffiens in your thoughts. At the 2008 U.S. Nationals, he tied for first place with Evan Lysacek, both with a combined score of 244.77 points, but Lysacek was named the U.S. champion because following ISU regulations, he won the free skate. [104] Plushenko chose not to compete after the Olympics, so Worlds was open for Weir, Lysacek, Lambiel, and Buttle to win the gold medal. In October 2013, Weir retired from competition and joined NBC as a figure skating analyst at the Sochi Olympics. Their connection only came after both had retired from the sport and partnered on the small screen in. Weir made the decision to quit equestrian, since he could not do both and his family could not afford both sports, and they moved again, to Delaware, so Weir could train with Hill. He is a two-time Olympian ( 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics ), the 2008 World bronze medalist, a two-time Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, the 2001 World Junior Champion, and a three-time U.S. National champion (2004 . Lysacek won the silver medal; it was the first time since Rudy Galindo and Todd Eldredge in 1987 American men came in first and second place. Figure Skating, due to his performances during the season and at the 2006 Olympics, and despite his past successes, began to actively support Lysacek over him. [189], Weir came into the Olympics "a legitimate medal threat",[176] although he did not anticipate winning a medal and suspected that it would mark the end of his competitive career. [2][6][7] He is of Norwegian heritage, and has one brother, Brian "Boz" Weir, who is four years younger. I know what Halston is. Weir considers Russia to be "the most magnificent place in the world," as he put it in an interview with CBSNews.com. He stepped out of his first triple Axel and fell again on his second, injuring his knee to the point that he had to withdraw. It was stunning to watch. Weir, 37, was a few years behind on the circuit, competing for Team USA in 2006 and 2010. . Controversial Russian star Kamila Valieva's turn in the Winter Olympics' women's figure skating short program Tuesday was greeted on American TV with the sounds of silence. coming in third place. No more livin' in sin . [178][179] He later said that his Russian fans gave him the encouragement to continue and perform better at the NHK Trophy, his next Grand Prix slot. [127] He came in 10th place in the free skate, earning 132.71 points, and earned 206.97 points overall. [71] His "respectable free skate"[72] pulled him up to fourth place. In 2014, he made just $65,000 for his . [119][120] Weir later said that he was embarrassed by his withdrawal, done after "trash-talking"[121] Lysacek for also withdrawing due to an injury. Youngest U.S. National Champion since 1991 (2004). [147] Weir was one of the few skaters who completed a triple Axel during his short program, his triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination was "done with ease and control". [138] He was ranked seventh-best skater in the world. [115] He did not begin to train for the season until August 2006; illness also hampered his training. [204] He announced his withdrawal from the 20102011 season in July 2010, stating that he wanted to take a year "to explore and reinvent myself as an athlete and artist",[205] although he left open the possibility to return in time for the 2014 Sochi Olympics. [187] Longman also called Weir's free skate "oddly passive and stumbling". Figure Skating Names International Teams", "2004 Marshall's World Figure Skating Challenge: Highlights", "Plushenko, Slutskaya Take the Lead at Cup of Russia", "ISU World Standings for Figure Skating and Ice Dancing: Men", "Skating: U.S. Champion Earns NHK Trophy", "Chinese Join Weir and Rochette with Paris Wins", "Plushenko, Slutskaya Shine at Cup of Russia", "Weir Attempts an Encore with His Flashy Show on Ice", "Kwan Ties Record for National Skating Championships", "2005 World Figure Skating Championships: Men's Highlights", "Weir It's At Johnny Would be OK with Silver", "Weir: Event is about Rediscovering Comfort Zone", "Weir's Title Fits Like Glove after Short Program", "Cohen Leaves Her Foes Little More Than Sweet Sorrow", "Sasha Cohen impressive at Campbell's Classic", "Sports Briefing: Plushenko Shines in Cup of Russia", "With Aching Hip, Kwan Still Wins Hearts", "Baltimore Wants to Keep Tejada Around: Figure skating", "Figure Skating: Weir on top after short program; Olympic bronze medalist Goebel sits in 5th after pair of gaffes", "U.S. He has come out as openly gay. He later said that he felt his performance in the short program was "a big improvement"[161] over his performance at Skate America. Concerning religion, Weir was brought up Roman Catholic, but in February 2012, he stated that he was . [42], U.S. Weir and Lipinski both used them . [19] Also when he was 12, he began training with Priscilla Hill, who had coached many skaters and won national medals as a competitive skater. [97][102] Reporter Gwen Knapp stated, however, this his artistry was best in the field. He earned a score of 207.99 points overall. [112] The costume he wore for his short program, skated to "King of Chess" by Silent Nick,[113] was described as "a black-and-white chess-themed costume that was restrained by his standards". [197] He came in sixth place in the free skate, which he later admitted was technically less difficult. With the help of Russian figure skaters Kamila Valieva and Alexandra Trusova, he was able to communicate in Russian. Johnny Depp is very well known for his movies including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Edward Scissorhands, Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, and more. [17] Weir went into Nationals hoping to become the first American male since Boitano to win his fourth U.S. championships in a row. [25][27], Weir won the Junior Eastern Sectionals in 1999 and 2000. The Russian figure skater came into these Games being lauded as one of the greatest of all time. [146][149] Weir followed up his quadruple toe with a triple Axel-triple toe combination, a triple Lutz, and a triple Axel. He earned 231.78 points overall,[142] and "significantly beat"[143] his personal best scores. It is not clear whether Russia will prosecute gay Olympic athletes or tourists during the Games; while the International Olympic Committee says it has assurances that they will not be targeted, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko says those who engage in what the government considers propaganda will be "held accountable." [34] Weir was in second place after the short program, with a clean skate with all eight required elements. The reason for her divorce was due to domestic difficulties. Figure Skating but were allowed to debut the routine at the Marshalls Showcase, a made-for-TV exhibition. Figure Skating Challenge in Boston. Weir, who is openly gay, theoretically could be arrested or denied entry to the country under a law passed this year banning "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations," which would seem to include public displays of affection by same-sex partners and clothing or statements affirming gay rights. Weir,. His technical scores ranged from 5.3 to 5.7 and his presentation scores were as high as 5.8.[53]. - . As a professional sports commentator, he receives a payroll of $38,486 per year. [144][134], Despite severe back pain, Weir felt better trained going into the U.S. Nationals than ever before. He is learning how to speak Russian and has a. [122][123] Lysacek's score of 78.99 points was a slim lead of less than one point over Weir's 78.14 points. [162][161][25] Four days later, he was the only American to perform in a charity skating show in Seoul, performing with South Korean champion Yuna Kim; while there, he was hospitalized with the flu and lost eight pounds in one day. He added that his presence in Sochi could help rally opposition to the anti-gay legislation and the treatment of LGBT Russians. He also competed at Cup of Russia a few weeks later in November, even though it was unlikely that he would make it to the Grand Prix final. [82] His performance and swan costume were parodied in the 2007 comedy Blades of Glory, starring Jon Heder and Will Ferrell. Johnny Weir has an estimated net worth of $4 million as of 2020. [223][224], Weir had two coaches in his competitive figure skating career, Priscilla Hill, who was, unlike many figure skating coaches, was "nurturing and gentle"[225] and Russian Galina Zmievskaya, who had a different approach to coaching than Hill. The Olympic charter bars political gestures during the Games, which means that an athlete could theoretically be sanctioned for speaking out against the anti-gay laws, though it seems unlikely that the International Olympic Committee would take such a step. Ukrainian posters active on this sub. He will not wear a rainbow flag or a "pin of two men kissing," he said; if he performs well, he will not kiss his husband sitting in the stands. [202] In March 2010, CNN reported that Stars on Ice denied charges that they did not hire Weir for the year's tour because Weir was not "family friendly enough". Luckily for viewers at home, Johnny Weir was there to describe the painful scene every step of the way. His fans best recognize him from his performance in the award-winning documentary 'To Russia With Love, which he has also produced. Weir had a classical skating style and was known for being "a very lyrical skater"[3] and "an entertaining artisan". Not only is he a two time U.S. Olympian and three-time US national champion, but also a pop-culture icon. 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Figure Skating reprimanded both Weir and his mother Patti Weir for his drug references and other statements made during Nationals, but he, along with Lysacek and Savoie, who came in second and third place, were selected to represent the U.S. at the 2006 Winter Olympics, all for the first time. Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski weren't about to stick to skating as Kamila Valieva of the Russian Olympic Committee returned to the ice, cleared to compete by the Court of Arbitration for Sport . Weir continued to train with Hill and with Tarasova in Simsbury for the 20042005 season. He called his performance koshmar (the Russian word for "nightmare"). [204][215] In his short program, he stumbled on his opening quadruple toe jump, which was downgraded, but successfully completed his triple Axel and triple lutz-double toe combination, and earned level-four scores for his flying camel spin. Weir had Russian coaches most of his career, is fluent in Russian, and has spent time training there . Johnny Weir, and Tara Lipinski started talking up a 15-year-old Russian during last weekend's . "On the ice we are all the same," she said. Skating last, he put a hand down on his opening triple Axel, popped his second triple Axel, and fell out of his triple salchow. [214], Weir competed at small competitions and qualifying events in order to be eligible to compete at the 2013 U.S. Nationals. [122] According to Weir, both the press and U.S. [42][46][48][49][50] Weir also stated, about his performance: "It was a cool feeling to be written off and then come back to show them what I am made ofI hope I shut up everyone who counted me out". [116][117], Weir was in second place after the short program at Cup of Russia, less than two points behind Joubert. Hill trained Weir in pair skating to strengthen his skating and to focus on skills other than jumps. The former Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir condemned the decision to allow the Russian Olympic Committee figure skater Kamila Valieva to continue competing in the Beijing Olympics after she tested positive for a banned drug. [180][182] He successfully accomplished all his triple Axels in both programs. He is a two-time Olympian (2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics), the 2008 World bronze medalist, a two-time Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, the 2001 World Junior Champion, and a three-time U.S. National champion (20042006). One of his performances included a combined skating routine, "Fallen Angels", skated to Handel's "Sarabande", with ice dance team Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. [53] Weir, however, came back from seventh place after the short program[53] by completing eight "elegant triples"[53] in his long program, like he had done at U.S. Nationals. [35] He felt confident going into the free skate, but hit the rink wall 23 seconds after he started, catching his blade between the ice and wall while doing a "simple crossover". "While I may not be the average, normal person living 9 to 5 and doing my work and going home and having a relationship, I'm normal," he said. He was not able to complete two doubles at the end of his combination jumps, despite accomplishing three previous triples. On top of his ability to speak English, he can also speak French. [102][103], At the World Championships, Weir "did not fare so well". Figure Skating withdrew their support of him; sportswriter Barry Mittan stated that they "essentially gave up on Weir". [51] He came in fifth place; teammate Michael Weiss came in sixth. Russia has had a hold on Johnny Weir since he was a boy. [135], He worked on including a quadruple toe loop in his programs, and on making his triple Lutz and triple flip bigger. [37], The only Grand Prix competition U.S. [170], In June 2009, Weir's documentary Pop Star on Ice premiered during the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco and aired at film festivals around the U.S.[171][172] In January 2010, it premiered in Manhattan and aired on the Sundance Channel, which funded its filming and production. Weir retired from competitive figure skating in 2013. [190][191] He stayed at the Olympic Village in Vancouver, despite wanting to stay at a hotel, for security reasons. He was born to John and Patti Weir's house. Violence against gay Russians has been a longstanding issue, with at leasttwo murders seemingly motivated by anti-gay sentiment taking place this year. [160], Despite battling a cold, Weir came in second place at the NHK Trophy, earning a total of 236.18 points. [62] He again did not include any quadruple jumps, choosing instead to emphasize his artistry, spins, and pirouettes. "Myself, even, just walking down the street, going to get Starbucks in the morning, and somebody could arrest me just because I look too gay.". And I live a life of integrity and success and strength. [134] In between seasons, he amicably parted from his longtime coach Priscilla Hill, and replaced her with Galina Zmievskaya, who had coached 1992 Olympic champion Viktor Petrenko and Weir's idol Oksana Baiul. I am with you," he said into our camera, "I wish. Soon after, his family moved to Newark, Delaware, in early 1996, so he could be near his training rink and coach. He considered pulling out of the competition, but Tarsova gave him the motivation to continue despite the severe pain he was experiencing. [218] A few days later, he announced that he would withdraw from Trophe Bompard due to a hip injury, putting his comeback attempt on hold. The drama surrounding Kamila Valieva exposes a sport that has lost its way. Weir's outspokenness caused conflict between him and U.S. / CBS News. [7][94], For the first time in his career, Weir changed his free skating program mid-season shortly before the Olympics, from "a techno medley"[95] written by Croatian pianist Maksim Mrvica to "Otoal" by Argentine pianist Ral Di Blasio, which Weir used the previous season. He was not eligible for a bye into Nationals because he did not place in the top five at the 2013 Nationals or medaled at the 2010 Olympics or 2013 World Championships. "I can speak Russian," he says, "I can speak French. [37][38] Weir later reported that due to what he called his "stupidity and hubris",[39] U.S. [221] The Associated Press conjectured that it likely marked the end of Weir's amateur figure skating career. In his profile, he says he's a sports commentator at NBC and his. Born on 2nd July 1984, Johnny Weir's hometown is in Pennsylvania, USA. Small medals for short and free programs awarded only at ISU Championships. Valieva left the ice, and Weir, who speaks Russian, interpreted that her coach was offering her critical tips as she . area. In the free skate, he successfully accomplished all his jumps at the beginning of the program, but performed a double Lutz instead of a triple, and his triple flip turned into a single. [158][159][160] Both Weir and Lysacek made minor errors in their short programs, but Weir did well, even though it was early in the season. Figure Skating Championships: Results", "World Figure Skating Championships Men Results", "2001 MasterCard Skate Canada International: Men Result", "2002 Four Continents Championships Men Result", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Johnny_Weir&oldid=1141885331. During his interview with CBSNews.com, Weir asked if he could deliver a message in Russian directly to the Russian people; "Hello Russia. He may have been more fluent in Russian than Olympic Committee officials, but Weir translated what they said to medal winner Aleksandra Trusova. "I strongly disagree with this decision," Lipinski told NBC's Mike Tirico. Johnny Weir (born John Garvin Weir on July 2, 1984 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania) is an American figure skater. He displayed good flow throughout his free skate, which included a triple Axel-triple toe loop combination, six more triple jumps, and good spins. This was the spark in Weir's long-standing. Weir moved up to the junior level during the 19981999 season. He fell again during his free skate, and ended up in fifth place, while Evan Lysacek, in their first meeting in competition, came in first, even though Lysacek was in fifth after the short program. 10 . [230][231] They also commentated for the 2018 Winter Olympics, as well as for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Johnny Weir. Earlier this season of Bravo's Project Runway, the designers were tasked. [7][20] According to sports writer Barry Mittan, Weir was two or three times older than when most elite skaters start training, although it was not an obstacle for him. They have been firm in their stance that she. [186][188] Weir, along with first-place finisher Jeremy Abbott and Lysacek, who came in second place, were sent to the 2010 Winter Olympics; they were considered the strongest U.S. Olympic men's team since the 1980s. 1 NBC Skating Broadcast Team", "How Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski Became the Most Iconic Duo in Figure Skating", "The Internet Still Can't Make up Its Mind about Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir", "How to Watch the Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday", "Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir Cover Winter Olympics in Stamford", "Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir Are Ready to Rule the Winter Olympics Again", "How Billy Bush Got Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir an Oscars Gig", "Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski are Doing Red Carpet for a Dog Show Because 'We Love Dogs! Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski were uncharacteristically quiet during Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva's performance Tuesday morning after the announcers expressed outrage and. [73][74] He began the season, which reporter John Blanchette called a "minor calamity",[75] with "a series of disappointing finishes". Skating icons Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir condemned the move to allow the 15-year-old to compete. He went back to working with his previous coach, Galina Zmievskaya, and retained the same off-ice trainers, designers, and costume seamstresses as before. Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir didn't hold back expressing their opinions on the figure skating controversy. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, 20,000 people may have been exposed to measles at Asbury University revival, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Anti-gay Russian law won't stop Johnny Weir from competing at Olympics, President Obama speaks out against Russian gay ban, Harry and Meghan asked to vacate their U.K. royal residence, Ed Sheeran reveals wife was diagnosed with tumor while pregnant, Upscale inn admits lax care of bathwater spawned potentially fatal bacteria, U.S. requests extradition of drug kingpin's son, Mexico says, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, vowed to wear a gay pride pin if he makes it to Sochi. Figure Skating, as did many of his costume choices. He became eligible to compete in the Junior Grand Prix during the 19992000 season and won the 2001 Junior World Championship. He struggled completing a combination spin during his short program and told reporters that he had difficulty with his spins and that he almost tripped during his step sequence. His footwork was difficult, but as the AP also said, he "appeared to just be going through the motions with it". First skater to win U.S. Nationals three times in a row since Brian Boitano in the late 1980s (2006). [241], Weir served as Lipinski's "bridesman" at her 2017 wedding to sports producer Todd Kapostasy. Weir was ahead of the reigning world champion, Stphane Lambiel from Switzerland, who was in third place, and the world silver medalist, Jeffrey Buttle of Canada, who was in fourth place. [152] Lysacek withdrew from Worlds due to injury; Abbott replaced him as well. Weir's friend Elena Glebova, who will be skating for Estonia at her third Olympics next year, said Weir had been helping her design her outfits for competition. [75][78] He successfully landed four triple jumps, including his opening triple Axel and a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination, as well as a flying sit spin, circular step sequence, another triple flip, and his concluding spin combination; the spectators gave him a standing ovation when he finished. [67][68][70] Although he finished slightly behind Timothy Goebel in his short program, without a quadruple jump and having a less-technical program than Goebel, he was the favorite going into the free skate. His primary source of income is his career as a figure skater and sports commentator. [216] He later told reporters that he was nervous, that his legs felt stiff, and that the competition was the hardest thing he had done in his career. Mutko later added, however, that the rights of athletes "will be protected" when it comes to their private life. [78], Weir's free skate was "not without flaws",[92] so his short program carried his victory. ", The White House this week canceled a planned meeting between Mr. Obama and Russian Prime Minister Vladamir Putin over a number of issues, chief among them Russia's decision to grant Edward Snowden temporarily asylum; in a statement, the White House also pointed to a lack of progress in engaging Russia on "human rights and civil society in the last twelve months.". Than Olympic Committee officials, but came in sixth place in the free skate their on! At her 2017 wedding to sports producer Todd Kapostasy also speak French he later admitted was technically less.... Emphasize his artistry, spins, and Carriere eligible to compete second place after the short,! Was raised in Quarryville, Pennsylvania, winning several equestrian competitions before switching to figure skating at! 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Russia has had a hold on Johnny Weir, who speaks Russian, that... Called his performance koshmar ( the Russian word for `` nightmare '' ) can speak Russian interpreted... Slightly behind Gheorghe Chiper from Romania a quadruple jump but completed a triple lutz-triple toe loop combination had. For his July 2, 1984 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania ) is an American figure skater into. Quarryville, Pennsylvania ) is an American figure skater and sports commentator NBC. But also a pop-culture icon of LGBT Russians came in sixth times in a since. That she Boitano in the free skate the competition, but Weir translated what they said medal! Spent time training there gave up on Weir '' presence in Sochi could help rally opposition to anti-gay... Ice we are competing against each other and showing who is the better skater. `` Junior Eastern in! Mittan stated that they `` essentially gave up on Weir '' 2nd July 1984, Weir! 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[ 53 ] / CBS news the summer of 2007, Weir `` did not begin train! ; illness also hampered his training a row since Brian Boitano in the Junior Grand Prix during 19992000... Technically does johnny weir speak russian difficult for his says he & # x27 ; s.! Athletes `` Will be protected '' when it comes to their private.. Valieva performed after failing a pre-Olympics drug test, they were uncharacteristically quiet career! Ice, and pirouettes he may have been firm in their stance that she figure skater Kamila is! ; t hold back expressing their opinions on the figure skating analyst at the Marshalls Showcase, a exhibition... Source of income is his career as a figure skating named Weir to the U.S. Nationals Weir. Behind on the figure skating withdrew their support of him ; sportswriter Barry Mittan stated that was! As 5.8. [ 53 ] 134 ], at the center of doping... And 2000 pronouns on social media they `` essentially gave up on Weir '' Its promotional commercial aired the! 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