I think it makes me feel very strong when people talk badly about me and they don't believe in me, because it gives me that fire to show them who I am and what I am. And then when it's done, in general they'll all come up and say, "Oh, my god, we supported you the whole way. We're so excited, thank you...you did great." And I can say, "Where were you a year ago? Or where were you six months ago?" That's something that makes me strong. It's very vindictive and maybe it's not the right way that you should perform and find fire, but it works for me. 
--nbcolympics.com, Vancouver 2010, athletes: Johnny Weir, "Q&A"