Johnny Weir Makes a Coaching Change

[Mathman]

Even bigger wake up call should have been his dropping from 4th to 8th place at Worlds in two years, in my opinion. That affects the judging of his performances in international events, I have understood. I doubt whether those international judges care much if he was 1st, 2nd or 3rd at US Nationals.

I have read that Johnny did take the loss of his U.S. title pretty hard, especially since it seemed that USFS was pushing Lysacek at his expense.

About whether the ISU judges care about national placements, that's an interesting question in the CoP era. As I understand it, in times long past there was a "gentlemen's agreement" not to disrespect the wishes of a member federation as to which skater should be placed ahead of another skater from the same country. This was discussed quite a bit when Tara Lipinski was placed ahead of Michelle Kwan in the 1998 Olympics.

In any case, the feeling seems to be that the national federations still need to lobby hard for their favorites in order to secure satisfactory results for them. Johnny's fans are concerned that he is falling out of this favored status in USFS circles.

 

[Hsuhs]

I have read that Johnny did take the loss of his U.S. title pretty hard, especially since it seemed that USFS was pushing Lysacek at his expense.

One has to watch the LP Nats video (the one with the K&C) to see how hard Johnny took it.

As I understand it, in times long past there was a "gentlemen's agreement" not to disrespect the wishes of a member federation as to which skater should be placed ahead of another skater from the same country.

To my knowledge, this wasn't the case with Yagudin-Plushenko. Yagudin did beat the national champ on different occasions, internationally.... At least, I think he did, since I'm a fan of neither guy.

 

[psycho]

Johnny's fans are concerned that he is falling out of this favored status in USFS circles.

Did Johnny EVER have favoured status with USFSA?
It seems to me he's been a black sheep from the start.

 

[layman]

black sheep

Did Johnny EVER have favoured status with USFSA?
It seems to me he's been a black sheep from the start.

black sheep = out

Rudy Galindo and Johnny Weir were both considered "black sheep" by US Skating officials.

US figure skating never has a problem with straight or closeted champs. Go figure.

 

[Mathman]

Did Johnny EVER have favoured status with USFSA?
It seems to me he's been a black sheep from the start.

Well, it's been an interesting ride. Johnny was the next great thing when he won junior worlds in 2001 and followed up with a very promising 5th place at senior U.S. Nationals in 2002.

Then came the disaster at 2003 U.S. nationals where he hit the boards and withdrew in the middle of his performance. People said he didn't have the competitive fire necessary to skate with the big boys. The USFSA duly "punished" him by not sending him to any major events the next year (although in defense of the association, they were just following their policy of sending the top finishers).

In any case, he roared back in 2004 to win the first of his three U.S. titles.

I think USFS was pleased as punch with Johnny in 2004 and 2005. Michael Weiss was on the verge of retirement, Tim Goebel was having all kinds of problems, and Johnny was the man. Plus, he brought an artistic element to men's figure skating that had not been seen in the U.S. since -- well, maybe never.

IMHO the USFSA has never been mad at Johnny for making candid comments, or for liking Russia, or for strutting his stuff on the cat walk. All publicity is good publicity. I believe that the only thing they don't like is that he hasn't upped his game and brought home a world championship yet. I bet if Johnny suddenly starts hitting quads all over the place and clobbers Lambiel and Joubert at next years worlds, everyone will be saying, "hey, how come USFS doesn't like Lysacek any more?"

 

[CzarinaAnya]

Did she work with Gordeeva & Grinkov?

 

[Dee4707]

I believe that the only thing they don't like is that he hasn't upped his game and brought home a world championship yet.

That's what kind of preturbs me too. I would like to set that boy in a corner for a good time out.

I bet if Johnny suddenly starts hitting quads all over the place and clobbers Lambiel and Joubert at next years worlds, everyone will be saying, "hey, how come USFS doesn't like Lysacek any more?"

How I would love to see that!!!

Dee

 

[twinsissv]

Interesting scenario!!! I'd LOVE to see that one played out in actuality! Heck...I might even lose MY cynicism ( but that might be asking too much).

 

[Zanzibar]

Just wanted to let anyone interested know that I'll have a statement from Johnny, regarding his coaching change, up on the IFS magazine (International Figure Skating) website sometime today, Friday, June 15th. Thanks. He's just arrived in Japan to do some shows, so it was very nice of him to do this.

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

To me, this thread is saying that For Johnny, It's Now or Never.Would that be correct?

Joe

 

[Hsuhs]

To me, this thread is saying that For Johnny, It's Now or Never.Would that be correct?

You mean like Zmievskaya is his last chance or smth?

 

[Tonichelle]

To me, this thread is saying that For Johnny, It's Now or Never.Would that be correct?

I think it's just the theme of the past couple of seasons with skating fans in regards to Johnny... we've read how many threads saying his time is coming to an end, if it isn't already up?

In team sports teams go through slumps (look at my beloved San Fran 49ers... they dominated the 80s and early 90s and now??? *Sobbles*) and you don't see a lot of people saying the team should just be retired!

but a skater has a lousy season or two and he's a washed up has been that can never amount to anything ever again... come on! give him a break. If he annoys you that much, then don't watch him listen to him read about him etc.... lol

yeah it's annoying that he can't seem to figure out the right combination that will work for him, or worse decide that the problem is his head and figure out how to fix 'himself' first or whatever the issue is.

problem is, outsiders never truly know what is going on with a skater... we can speculate, but that's all it is, speculation. but this too is harmful because so many people believe everything they read on message boards... so then it's taken as gospel...

and why I'm rambling I don't know... it's early in Alaska, I'm on no sleep here in Florida... and I went off on a tangent, my bad!

 

[Ravyn Rant]

In team sports teams go through slumps (look at my beloved San Fran 49ers... they dominated the 80s and early 90s and now??? *Sobbles*) and you don't see a lot of people saying the team should just be retired!

Ah, those were the days, weren't they?

but a skater has a lousy season or two and he's a washed up has been that can never amount to anything ever again... come on! give him a break.

Two words: Rudy Galindo.

yeah it's annoying that he can't seem to figure out the right combination that will work for him, or worse decide that the problem is his head and figure out how to fix 'himself' first or whatever the issue is.

problem is, outsiders never truly know what is going on with a skater... we can speculate, but that's all it is, speculation. but this too is harmful because so many people believe everything they read on message boards... so then it's taken as gospel...

and why I'm rambling I don't know... it's early in Alaska, I'm on no sleep here in Florida... and I went off on a tangent, my bad!

Not bad for the sleep-deprived! I couldn't agree more. Say hey to the Mouse for us!
xoxo
Rave

 

[attyfan]

I think it's just the theme of the past couple of seasons with skating fans in regards to Johnny... we've read how many threads saying his time is coming to an end, if it isn't already up?

In team sports teams go through slumps (look at my beloved San Fran 49ers... they dominated the 80s and early 90s and now??? *Sobbles*) and you don't see a lot of people saying the team should just be retired!

but a skater has a lousy season or two and he's a washed up has been that can never amount to anything ever again... come on! ....

Do people ever talk about whether a specific player should retire? How many of the players on the 49ers today also played during the era that they dominated?

 

[MissIzzy]

Statement's up. It pretty much confirmed the obvious, but it's reassuring to hear it from him. He left Priscilla because they'd gotten too close, and Galina's going to make him work for it. He also defended Priscilla from anyone who questioned her actual coaching ability, which I think was very sweet of him.

 

[Zanzibar]

Here's a link to statements Johnny sent to me on IFS:

http://www.ifsmagazine.com/forum/

 

[emma]

Here's a link to statements Johnny sent to me on IFS:

http://www.ifsmagazine.com/forum/

Thanks so much for the link to this statement - and thanks to Johnny for sending it to you!!! Once again, I do wish him the very, very best with this new partnership and do hope it lights that fire he refers to.

About Joe's comment - "now or never" might be the theme of this and other threads. Certainly this would be the time to build momentum towards the next Olympics - both physically and mentally/emotionally. Another bad or unfocused season could put a serious dent in plans to succed in 2010 (especially in allowing others to shine on the podium and build that needed confidence). And even leaving the Olympics aside, another season with similiar placements as last year (and internationally the last 2-3 years) would make Weir appear to have stagnated -- I don't think this is desirable for any athlete, but especially one who is so talented and such a good performer (what I'm saying is stagnating could negatively impact, say, his COI contract or other opportunities). So, having said that - I intrepret Weir himself to be saying - "now or never" too....maybe I read too much into things.

Regardless - I can't wait to see what this season brings for Weir (and about 15-20 other men too!!!!). And, I'm not a huge fan of COI type shows, but having been to my first this year, and having seen Johnny live - I can honestly say I look forward to next year's performances too!

 

[flying camel]

Wow I did not realize his coach had trained under Carlo Fassi. I wonder did she have any success in her career?

 

[Jaana]

Wow I did not realize his coach had trained under Carlo Fassi. I wonder did she have any success in her career?

9th in 1978 Worlds:
http://www.eskatefans.com/skatabase/worldladies1970.html

and

7th in 1981 Worlds:
http://www.eskatefans.com/skatabase/worldladies1980.html

 

[Joesitz (RIP)]

Very neat summary Emma. As a discover of Weir way back in juniors to seniors, it has been disheartening for me, to see his recent unfocused seasons due to (my spec) outside forces. I truly hope he has worked on those outside demons and is now focusing on competitive figure skating. He is such a rare talent and I would hate to see it go the way of Christopher Bowman.

His goal has always been the 2010 Olympics and it is now or never to begin that quest. A podium finish at Worlds 2008 would impress me.

Joe