Johnny Weir

Whether witty or wise, controversial or charming, shocking or silly, sweet or sassy, provocative or profound, inspiring or infuriating--or any combination of those--Johnny Weir, the three-time U.S. Champion, two-time Olympian, and World medalist figure skater, almost always says something worth quoting whenever he commentates a skating competition, makes a TV appearance, gives an interview, holds a press conference, writes, tweets, or is caught on video. His quotes needed to be collected and shared; hence this blog.

In retrospect:

Sometimes what Johnny Weir says is especially interesting in retrospect, even if not especially quotable.
____________________________________________

I've had requests from my fan group in Russia to make sure that I perform Poker Face when I go to Russia in October. But this will probably be the last time performing it in America.
--Outsports.com, "Johnny Weir: The Outsports Interview, Part 1" by Cyd Zeigler, Jr., September 2, 2009
(on performing Poker Face at 2009 Stars, Stripes and Skates)


***** 

Honestly, when you're standing in front of an arena of thousands and a TV audience of millions, you go back to basics, to yourself. So even if I went out with a big smile and big fireworks and a million dollar butt wiggle, it would look so fake and tacky on me it might as well be some music video fluff.
--ifsmagazine.com, "National Velvet" by Kathleen Bangs, January 7, 2008

*****

[Q: So are you designing a line, are we going to see Johnny Weir on Project Runway?]

Well I've been sketching for years, but I'm going to have to have someone teach me to sew. I don't have any plans on going on any reality show...ever! 
--chicagopride.com, "Interview: Johnny Weir" by Scott Foval, May 2, 2007

*****

Yeah, I'm disappointed in the judging too. Take Cohen versus Asada at the French Grand Prix event: Sasha's component scores were lower than Mao Asada's and that's just horrifically wrong—just wrong, wrong, wrong. But, there's nothing the skaters can do and it's a frustrating situation. There's a sense that we're still getting pre-placed by the judges based on where they feel we should be due to a prior performance, being their favorite, having a strong reputation, whatever.
--goldenskate.com, "Johnny Weir: America's Olympic Strong Shot Puts Things Into Perspective" by Kathleen Bangs, December 30, 2005

*****

No, I wouldn't work with David Wilson. I prefer the style of Russian teaching and choreography.
--skatetoday.com, "Chat Night with Johnny Weir," September 18, 2005 

*****

We'd sign autographs after the show and some people would look at me and think I was maybe part of the crew. It would be great to have success like Sasha or Michelle Kwan but the other side of that is they are absolutely mobbed by fans. It is nice to have some privacy.
--goldenskate.com. "Johnny Weir: The Road to Russia" by Lou Parees, June 21, 2004
(on 2004 Champions on Ice tour)

*****

I wear the costumes with the sequins and the tassels, yes. I know, it looks silly. But that's what they do, so I will.
--Inquirer Sunday Magazine, "Making the leap," by Robert Strauss, December 16, 2001

*****
 
[Do you have a girlfriend? If so, Who?]

No I don't have a girlfriend. Mainly because I wouldn't have enough time to make her feel special, and girls should always feel special.
--figureskatersonline.com/johnnyweir, "Johnny Weir Online!," "Q&A #2," June 2001

*****

You know by now that my favorite skater is Michelle Kwan. Somebody asked me if I would talk to her if I had the chance here. I don't think so. I'm backwards--I'm too shy!
--usfsa.org, "2000 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships Athlete Diaries," February 2000