"King on Ice and Outrageous Genius" - that's what fans said about the Weyr. Having come to speed skating very late, he managed to leave many rivals around the corner, winning one victory after another and confidently striding towards the goal …
Childhood and youth
In 1984, Johnny Weir was born in a small town in the United States of America. His mother, Patti Moore, worked as a home inspector, and his father was forced to sit at home. In the year of the birth of his son, he had a car accident and injured his back, which led him to a wheelchair.
Johnny grew up as a shy child, struggling to fit into the company of peers. It turned out quite badly for the boy, because natural shyness prevailed and prevented the establishment of strong friendly ties.
“I was an awkward, thin, intelligent and very obedient child. I was always a bit anti-social, I still can’t say that I had a rich social life, ” Weir recalls his childhood. While still very young, the boy was passionately interested in horse riding. He could spend hours with his faithful friend, a pony. About figure skating then there was no question.
Weir became interested in speed skating quite late. He began his career at the age of 11.
Oksana Bayul became his muse and inspirer. Once on television, he saw a girl performing at the Winter Olympics. Her show sunk so deep into the soul of young Johnny that he walked for a long time under the impression of what he saw. Then, bewitched by the brilliant number of Bayul, he decided to connect his life with speed skating.
His earliest training sessions were childishly naive and a little ridiculous. The first jumps he performed in the basement of his parent's roller skate house. Seeing the efforts of his son, on one of the holidays, his parents gave him skates.
The persistence and work of a naturally gifted young man led him to the debut gold medal. At that time he was only sixteen. He was an ambitious and purposeful teenager.
This victory only strengthened his faith in himself and gave impetus to new achievements. She lit his way to numerous victories.
The rapid flowering of a creative career
In 2004, Johnny retired from the regional championships, ahead of his strong rivals - Michael Weiss and Matthew Savoy. It was a well-deserved success. Long, grueling training … John worked like a damn and tore this victory with his teeth.
The next significant step forward was participation in the world championship. Sparing himself with complete dedication, sparing neither time nor energy, Johnny broke into the top five and took the honorable fifth place. In his wildest hopes and dreams, of course, he counted on more and this served as a good incentive for growth.
Next - two Grand Prix titles, victory after victory in Japan, France and America, universal recognition and dizzying fame …
Coach change
In 2006, John made a serious decision to change his coach. What prompted him to take this step? The fact is that their relationship with the previous mentor has long flowed from professional to friendly. And this, according to John, was very hindering the work. Therefore, he was forced to leave Priscilla Hill to the Ukrainian Galina Zmievskaya. She once trained Oksana Baiul - the inspirer and muse of little Johnny.
The change of coach, perseverance and self-confidence brought Weir a gold medal in the Russian Cup competition.
In the fall of 2008, the Weir won a silver medal in America, and then went to South Korea to make a splash at the skating Christmas performance, the proceeds of which went to charity.
Career ending
2013 was the last year in the Weyr’s career. In the fall, Johnny told the media that he decided to put an end to his career. But he could not completely leave the sport. After all, it was part of himself and, like any athlete, the idle life hated him. Therefore, he joined the Olympic Games in Sochi as a figure skating specialist.
Titles and Merits
27 medals were awarded to Johnny Weir during his fourteen-year career. Johnny was a real king on the ice. Legends were made about him.
And they even made a film in which Johnny played himself. The premiere took place in Seattle.
Weir was remembered by fans of speed skating for his graceful skating and unmatched artistry, as well as intricate outfits and an exciting show.
