United States Men's Figure Skating Champion:
Johnny Weir is the 2004, 2005 and 2006 U.S. National Men's Figure Skating Champion.
Known for Being Outspoken:
Weir has caused some debate because he is outspoken. He is also known for his non-traditional and unusual skating costumes.
Began Skating at Age Twelve:
Johnny Weir began skating at the age of twelve. That age is considered very late for a figure skater, but Weir showed promise and improved and progressed rapidly.Date and Place of Birth:
Johnny Weir was born on July 2, 1984 in in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
Family:
Johnny's family includes his mother and father and his younger brother.
Education:
Johnny Weir was on the Honor Roll throughout high school.
How He Began Skating:
After seeing Olympic Champion Oksana Baiul on television, Johnny Weir wanted to skate. He first taught himself to roller skate and he practiced and taught himself jumps on roller skates in his basement. His parents bought him used ice skates and he first practiced on a frozen corn field. Then he began group ice skating lessons.
Axel in One Day:
During Weir's first week of ice skating, he landed an axel jump. That accomplishment showed that he had much talent and promise, and soon he focused completely on figure skating.
Junior Olympics :
During Johnny Weir's first year of skating, he made amazing progress. He qualified for the Junior Olympics in both freestyle and pairs.
Competition Highlights:
At the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Johnny Weir placed fifth. He won the U.S. Men's title in 2004, 2005, and 2006. At the World Figure Skating Championships in 2005, he finished in fourth place. In 2008, he won a bronze medal at Worlds.
World Junior Champion:
Johnny Weir won the World Junior Figure Skating Championships in 2001.
Champions On Ice :
Johnny Weir has skated in Champions On Ice every year since he won the World Junior Championships in 2001.
Coach and Training:
Johnny Weir was coached by Priscilla Hill at The Pond Ice Arena in Newark, Delaware. Galina Zmievskaya became Weir's coach in 2007.
Rode Horses Competitively:
Johnny Weir grew up in rural Pennsylvannia. He rode horses competitively as a child.
Johnny Weir's Skating Costumes:
Weir enjoys designing costumes. Many of his figure skating costumes are quite unusual and have caused some controversy.
