The One, the Only, Johnny Weir

Johnny Weir. He's an athlete, designer, and one of the most practical yet flamboyant personalities you may ever come across. He's easy-going, with the capacity to be in your face. Placing six in the Olympic games usually makes one a name on a history sheet, or a "runner up" for the next games. For Weir, his post-games success is equivalent of winning the gold. He came into the games focused yet primed for both the media and the fans. Weir has arguably garnered more publicity and attention than gold medalist Evan Lysacek. Not winning the pool didn't hurt this skater, not in the least.

Johnny Weir was born in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, then moved to Newark, Delaware. He first hit the ice at age twelve, which in itself makes him more unique amongst the elite, many of whom lace up their skates at a much earlier age. His determined, fearless attitude showed itself when he landed an axel (one and a half rotations in the air) within his first week of skating. The drive was there, the artistry was there, all that was needed was a bit of technical polish, and then to let him go. In 2001 at age sixteen, he won the World Junior Championship. Three years later, he placed fifth in the senior level of the World Championships, and started a series of competitions that would lead him to win two Grand Prix titles in 2005. He placed fifth in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

For a time he was plagued with injuries to his ankle, back and hip, as well as the occasional bout of illness. This made the time between 2005 and 2007 difficult for Weir, but he tackled his beloved sport with gusto. It was during this time that he switched coaches, working with the renowned Galina Zmeivskaya, who coached Weir's idol Oksana Baiul to an Olympic gold medal. With Weir's self-confessed passion for all things Russian, it seemed a logical choice. "Team Zmeivskaya", which includes son-in-law and former Olympic Champion Viktor Petrenko and daughter Nina Petrenko, used this passion of his to create pure artistry on ice, punctuated with triples and quads.

He opted out of competing in the 2010 World Championships, citing personal reasons. And he does keep his life just that. Personal. Questions about his sexuality run amok, and with typical class, he refuses to answer any of them. "It has nothing to do with my skating", he rightfully insists. But, in this day of sensationalism, the opinionated Johnny Weir is seen as a questionable eccentric, a person of controversy, sometimes an embarrassment, a daring performer. . .and then as an athlete. It is a shame, because his quick rise through the ranks is an undeniable testament to his athletic ability. Perhaps it has to do with his vibrant love of things other than skating, such as fashion. Or maybe it's hard to see him as just a skater, but as an all-encompassing vortex of confident energy instead. He truly is bigger than the sport he represents.

This charisma and openness often makes him a target. He outraged animal rights activists, who apparently decided to ignore the fact that skaters wear leather boots, and decided instead to focus their attention on a few strips of fur on Weir's costume. Weir's response to the threats? He was more concerned about the victims of the recent Haiti earthquake. After making a point with this statement, basically that there were more important things to worry about than his costume, he did remove the fur. More threats were aimed at him during the games, but he took it with his usual humor and grace. The latest controversy is his omission from the Stars on Ice tour, fueled by the concern that his image isn't "family friendly". The origins of these claims are uncertain, and despite those associated with Stars On Ice officially denying any claims of discrimination, that particular debate continues. There are also rumors of masculinity disappearing from the sport, and Weir of course is in the middle of that as well. His reality series "Be Good Johnny Weir" may or may not have helped that notion, but it sure let us dig a bit past the scarves and glitz to see the man beneath.

There is no doubt that Johnny Weir loves to put on a good show, and he remains an inspiration to many, both skaters and non-skaters alike. He is self-made, self-assured, and a great example of the independent spirit we all strive for. I say, may he stay true to himself, and may he long continue to "rock the tassel".