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Sports
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Sports and Recreation
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Sports
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Sports and Recreation
Sports and RecreationQ&A with figure skater Johnny Weir
CHRISTIE SAUSA, Special to the News
POSTED: August 14, 2009
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Who is it? Johnny Weir of course! This enigmatic and always honest skating icon took a unique route to the top of his sport, always pursuing unique avenues both within and outside figure skating. Known best for his artistry, honesty, often amusing interviews, and fashion sense, Weir is a very interesting character, both on and off the ice. The Lake Placid News obtained an interview with Weir while he was in town for the Saturday Night Ice Show. LPN: When did you start skating? Weir: I started skating at age 12. In figure skating this is a late age to start. LPN: What made you decide to figure skate? Weir: I was inspired by Oksana Baiul skating in the 1994 Olympic Games. LPN: Where do you train? Weir: Wayne, NJ, with coaches Victor Petrenko and Galina Zmievskaya. LPN: What is your training schedule like? Weir: I skate five days a week for four hours on ice, and do five hours of Pilates and other off ice exercise a week. LPN: Have you skated at Lake Placid before? Weir: Yes, many times, like during the summer. LPN: What is one of your favorite skating memories? Weir: One of the best is the parade at Opening Ceremonies, and being part of the U.S. Team. LPN: What are your interests outside the rink? Weir: Linguistics (I speak French and Russian), Russian culture, Fashion, my clothing line “B Unique”, acting and film. LPN: What are your goals for this season? Weir: To win everything; to become the U.S. Champion, Olympic Champion, and World Champion. LPN: Other than figure skating, what are your favorite sports to participate in or watch? Weir: gymnastics, skiing (I just watch, I don’t like the cold.), and Equestrian. I used to compete in Equestrian when I was younger before figure skating. LPN: What do you like most about Lake Placid? Weir: It is a beautiful place, and has a very laid -back atmosphere. |
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