I think Dick Button is terrific! They should boot off Scott Hamilton and that woman and just let Button go. I wrote about it for tomorrow's notebook.

I've seen him around skating events for 7 years, since he was a tiny kid. What you see is pretty much really him. He has a remarkably realistic view of his own skating and his competitors'. Too bad for the stuffy types at U.S. Figure Skating that he's about eight times smarter than they are, and their attempts to stifle him just backfire in their faces.

He's a good writer, too. Check out his journal here.
Johnny Weir Official Page

Lorrie above wrote the excellent article on why there are no out gay skaters. She knows her stuff.

I'm watching the rebroadcast of the short programs and my first reaction is OH MY GOD

THIS IS SO GAY

Of course that's no shock to everyone here, but I haven't really sat down and watched men's skating by myself since probably the last Olympics.

As for why they don't come out, that's totally understandable. I mean, everyone assumes you're gay anyway, why bother making yourself an instant activist with an Advocate cover story. Maybe if a skater wants the publicity, which wouldn't be much (the headline "Male Figure Skater Acknowledges Homosexuality" would make the Sheryl Swoopes announcement look like Peyton Manning), but given the apparent homophobia in the sport that probably isn't worth it. The fact that there's even apparent homophobia in such an obviously gay sport is almost beyond belief.

LOL your probably right about the football game Jim!!

I do like his personality though and he is a nice looking guy. Go Johnny!!

Ugh. That was such an uninspired splat-fest. Terribly sorry about Sandhu; I was really hoping he'd pull it together. Kevin van der Perren has lovely eyes. Johnny Weir is a fairy princess. I hate Prince Valiant and his herky-jerky arms.

I should have stuck with the Westminster Dog Show.

[ February 15, 2006, 06:13 AM: Message edited by: Jerzoid ]

Great interview with Johnny Weir on Today this AM - Matt Lauer referred to Weir as "dramatic" and "artistic" (Just say it Matt - he's GAY!). He certainly did not come across as a diva or anything but fun and friendly.

I thought it was great that NBC showed so many skaters throughout the event. Of the 24 to qualify for the finals, 13 were shown. It's good to see a new face like Tomas Verner of the Czech Republic. By looking at this list, it's great to see the depth of the American team. All three skaters are in the top 10. Canada has 2 in the top 10 and every other country is lacking. I hope Johnny Weir hangs on to the silver although Stephane Lambiel is my super-fave crush. I feel really bad for Joubert, Sandhu, and Lysecek. I think Evan will do much better in the free and hopefully will move up. In the free skate, look for Brian Joubert in make-up. At the European Championships he wore lip gloss, blush and a hint of eyeliner. He looked hott but on the verge of not. Stephane will be in his orange and blue tiger tights hopefully. He changed his short skate outfit from earlier in the season. Sandhu will be wearing an oh-so-tight outfit and his program should be good. The music was created just for his program and has performed it exceptionly well earlier this season.

Men's Individual - Short program results
Rank Name Country Score
1 Evgeni Plushenko Russia 90.66
2 Johnny Weir United States 80.00
3 Stephane Lambiel Switzerland 79.04
4 Brian Joubert France 77.77
5 Daisuke Takahashi Japan 73.77
6 Jeffrey Buttle Canada 73.29
7 Emanuel Sandhu Canada 69.75
8 Matthew Savoie United States 69.15
9 Gheorghe Chiper Romania 67.66
10 Evan Lysacek United States 67.55
11 Min Zhang China 67.39
12 Shawn Sawyer Canada 67.20
13 Kevin Van Der Perren Belgium 65.36
14 Sergei Davydov Belarus 64.65
15 Ivan Dinev Bulgaria 63.64
16 Anton Kovalevski Ukraine 63.41
17 Viktor Pfeifer Austria 62.17
18 Ilia Klimkin Russia 61.61
19 Frederic Dambier France 61.17
20 Stefan Lindemann Germany 60.52
21 Chengjiang Li China 60.23
22 Tomas Verner Czech Republic 59.71
23 Kristoffer Berntsson Sweden 59.55
24 Zoltan Toth Hungary 55.07

Surprised Lauer didn't use flamboyant to describe Weir. Maybe they're holding on to that patricular term until after the long program! wink

~Adam

I think Weir is great...I love his attitude about screw the Republican establishment out there, I'm who I am and you can go to hell if you don't like it...to paraphrase.

But anyway, he isn't ashamed of who he is and good for him. It's nice that he can skate well to back up his inflated ego.

And for the record, this IS men's figure skating, right? I'm just shocked that there is homosexuality involved...sappy music, sequined and rhinestoned costumes, arms flailing, etc...

Johnny Weir is my hero!!!! What a hoot. Nice to have such an honest athlete - he does not hide who he is one bit.

I loved some of his interview replies and respones:
When asked about living in the athlete dorms 'I'm very princessy as far as travel is concerned, I hate carrying my own luggage'

At the national championships, he was asked to contrast his program with a competitor's. "With mine, (spectators) wanted to sit back with a cognanc and a cigarette and go, 'Ahhhhhh,' His was moe of a shot of vodka and a line of cocaine."

Good to see more people discovering and enjoying Princess Weir. I thought his TV segment/sales pitch last night suffered from a bit of T.T.H. (tries too hard) though I *love* him calling out Republicans. He comes across more interesting in print, since TV is never much for depth. Today the local newspaper here had a long article discussing his knowledge of Russian and bond with some of the Russian skaters (Plushenko and the female gold medalist in the pairs), and how this is another thing that has upset the stiff U.S. figure skating establishment.

Hilarious to see the opposing camps here about the increasingly crabby Dick Button, who was just one night and a few channels away from Project Runway when discussing some of the costumes last night. He really annoyed me with his hating on Zhang and Zhang in the pairs short program, but he's throwing some zingers now.

I hope Weir gets the silver, his short program seemed better than the scores show in relation to those closest behind him -- they all either pulled out of jumps or botched them, and none of them had any unity to their concept if that's worth much of anything anymore. I wish Matt Savoie(sp) hadn't messed up at the end of his program, in some ways I like his approach and mood on the ice the best.

[ February 15, 2006, 02:47 PM: Message edited by: Two-hander ]

I agreed with Button and one thing bugs me: How can you take a total flop like they did and still finish SECOND?

I think Plushy is one of the most intimidating male figure skaters ever. He's just seems so powerful, confident and all mighty. He rarely screws up and even if he does slip, he can beat you with his artistry. You go in knowing that you are really skating for second. Yagudin, Urmanov and Plushenko were all good, but they just didn't have that air of "Bring it and I will crush you" that Plushenko seems to exude.

And did anyone else notice Savoie's chest hair peeking out from under his blouse...I mean, costume?

I hope Weir can hold it together and win Silver. His interview was hilarious. The luggage comment got me rolling with laughter. What a princess biotch!

Johnny Weir quote of the day in today's Phila. Daily News: "I don't like to be called a jock because that makes me think of spandex-covered football players."

wink

Jim, I think JC had a go at explaining the fall and the outcome earlier. I'm sure SimonTexas or Savvy or someone can explain better than I can, but I don't think a skater is punished so much for the severity of a fall as they are for not completing a move. In Zhang and Zhang's case they resumed from where they'd fallen and didn't really make any major mistakes or reduce any skills after that, whereas many of the other pias had multiple mishaps. At least from the broadcast it didn't seem like they were off the ice for anything near 5 minutes as someone above posted.

It does seem a bit weird or wrong that skaters can stop a routine-gone-wrong and start again, though Z&Z aren't the first -- I think Tonya Harding tried with far less success at her Olympics. In her case it had to do with shoelaces instead of slamming the ice.

The silver does seem questionable, even though to my eyes Zhang and Zhang far outskated the other Chinese pairs and all the pairs but one in the short program (seemed like Sandra Bezic disagreed with Button's criticisms as well). But I do think their comeback from the fall -- hers in particular -- was one of the wildest and most admirable things I've seen this Olympics.

I totally admired them getting back on the ice, just that a silver seemed a bit high.

JIP: It is getting harder to keep up with all of Weir's great stuff. I got called by the Chicago Tribune today and asked how Weir is playing with us gay fans. I told her I thought he was hot!

NBC had Dick Button and Scott Hamilton in the studio tonight for some analysis. Very funny to listen to them talk.

Dick dissed Plushenko by talking about the need to eliminate all the "windmilling action" with the arm moves. He said, "That is not artistry." He was comparing to the style of skating we see with Weir.

Scott and Dick basically outed him when they talked about how he was basically, "I'm here, I'm Weir, get used to it." Sound familiar? They did say they thought he was refreshing for the sport.

(I swiped this from another board). These are highlights of an interview that Johnny Weir did with Salon last year. I'll post the link, but you'll have to register if you want to read the whole thing. This kid is cracking me up!

Highlights:

Here's some great quotes from Johnny from an interview he did with Salon.

Johnny on TV:

I don't watch TV. I just tune in for "The Simple Life." Have you seen it yet, with Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie?

Johnny on Parasite Hilton:

I like that she's famous for really not doing anything. And I like her because she rolls with it and she is a huge celebrity now, and she's famous for being famous, as someone quoted at one point, and she definitely goes to her own tune, and I think that's admirable ... But as far as design and stuff, I like the people that are a little bit different. As far as women's clothing, I really like Heatherette. I think they're crazy with everything they do with the rhinestones and the paint, and I think it's very cool. But as far as stuff I wear, I just like things that are different and things that are well made. And it doesn't necessarily have to be a Roberto Cavalli jacket or, um, like a Balenciaga bag. Which I bought yesterday.

Johnny on Fur:

You know, animals wear fur coats, so I don't see any reason why I can't. It's discrimination, I think.

Johnny on His Personal Fur Coat:

It's just, it's coyote fur. It's somehow like a coyote shearling of sorts, and it's really nice, and it's long, and it's beautiful ... I love beautiful things, and if it means having a fur coat or diamonds -- or even if I want to wear a tiara someday -- then that's just the way it's going to be. You know, I really, I don't seek approval or anything.

So I don't think PETA will ever realize that fur is fabulous. But for now I think it is.

Johnny on the Kabbalah:

My string actually fell off while I was up here, so I'm purged of all my negative energy

Johnny on the song he'd like playing when he wins Gold at Torino:

"Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera.

Johnny Weir Article

Tomorrow's Chicago Tribune:

... At Outsports.com, a gay sports Web site, readers are busy discussing whether Weir is "hot" or not. The question of Weir’s sexual orientation also is under much discussion.

"He’s pinged all of our `gaydars,’" joked founder Jim Buzinski. "If he is not gay, then neither are we."

Buzinski said it’s OK with him that Weir chooses not to disclose his sexuality. If Weir is in fact gay and did speak out, "the Olympic establishment would have a coronary," Buzinski said.
...

"Question?" Who's "questioning" or "discussing" anything? Who here thinks he's not gay? (Who anywhere thinks he's not gay??) Seems like quite the concensus to me.

And Weir hot? Not at all, IMO. A narcissistic and egotistical little flaming fairy princess, maybe, but definitely not hot.

Credit where credit is due, though. He had a great short program, and I do hope he has a clean enough long program to medal. As much as I obviously don't care for him personally, I do think he's an excellent skater.

Because the rest of them stunk up the joint. Even the Americans had a tumble to the ice.

Took a lot of guts for her to get up and then complete their program.

Uh, a "flaming" princess is, by definition, "hot."

Johnny is all that!

It's so strange that there aren't any "out" athletes here. If there aren't any "out" athletes in figure skating, then is there any hope that gay athletes will come out in any team sports? I find Weir pretty entertaining, he can certainly be a bit over the top, but I respect anyone who can just be themself. Regardless of how bitchy and dramatic that self is. Also, I vote not hot, however I certainly wouldn't kick this threesome outta my bed.

I heard this morning that Weir wants to look like a swan with his costume for the long program. What Would Weir Wear

[ February 16, 2006, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: KingChildress ]

King - His costume for the short program was supposed to look like a swan. He even wore a red/orange glove on one hand that is supposed to look like the beak, and named the glove/beak Camilla or something like that.

Just saw the order for the free skate, Johnny W is 2 skaters AFTER Plushenko, that's sort of a good thing, But Joubert also follows Weir, can't wait to see it tonight.

Several internet sites today posted what they think is Johnny Weir's actual myspace profile. (One has to be careful when a "celebrity" has a myspace profile, though, since it could be faked). Take it for it's worth, but if it is his, he says that he is Bi.

Johnny Weir - My Space

Yeah, "bi" him something and he'll be yours. wink

He makes enough money. He can "bi" me something! wink

Good point, Music..."Hey, Johnny!"

RESULTS SPOILER

Click here for final results.

[ February 16, 2006, 02:55 PM: Message edited by: Jim at Outsports ]

I hadn't been that familiar with Johnny Weir until this Olympics. He reminds me a bit of Toller Cranston in his overtly feminine, balletic, dramatic style of skating. He has solid jumps and some very unusual and well-done spins. I used to like Victor Petrenko's use of slightly feminine-style layback spins, but Weir's are overtly female, and some are so unusual and require tremendous strength and flexibility. Like Cranston, I think he's pushing the envelope in male skating, and it's being reflected in other skaters.

One of the Canadian commentators mentioned (in all seriousness) during his performance that prior to his skate Weir said he 'did his hair, applied self-tanner, and took a nap.'

Plushenko, though, is in a class by himself. He had no competition in this competition.

SPOILER: CBC's final results are interesing because if you scroll down you see all the component marks for each skater (Techinical Element Score + Program Component Score + Skating Skills + Transitions + Performance/Execution + Choreography + Interpretation - Deduction)

[ February 16, 2006, 03:54 PM: Message edited by: canmark ]

Outsports will be mentioned in a Yahoo column on Weir. Their columnist in Turin called me.

Oh thank god I didn't see canmark's full posting.

I'm interested to see the Yahoo article on Weir. Please post it when it's up.

I found out who the winners and losers are in men's figure skating(don't worry I won't say who won so y'all won't get annoyed, besides how can you not know even if you're not watching it on TV?) and I'll comment some more later on, but the skater I admire the most who did well tonight was U.S. skater Evan Lycasek.

Congrats to all of the U.S. male figure figure skaters.

I am extensively quoted in this Yahoo article about Weir's popularity.

Also, tomorrow's Washington Post has a long piece on Weir's sexuality that quotes Lorrie Kim's terrific article she did for us.

I point all this out to reinforce that people do read what we, including posters, have to say, which is cool!

[ February 16, 2006, 06:57 PM: Message edited by: Jim at Outsports ]

Haven't seen Weir long program yet, but, I'm sure he's hot to a lot of men and women. I know lots of men who love that type. Not mine, give me Lambiel anyday if I have to take a figure skater over a baseball player or tennis hottie. But Weir deserves some recognition for everything he does. I'm still loving his 'snort of coke and a shot of vodka' line, and I abhor drug use but that description just made me laugh and laugh.

It was so nice to see Evan come up with an outstanding long program today. If only he had completed a solid short as well. Matt skated well in his program as well. Good to see the US skaters putting in good programs.

The final group is yet to come, even though I know the results. I do want to see all of the programs.

Jim, I just went looking for the story of Weir on the homepage and can't find it. Where did it go?

JIMMMMMMM, wait a minute, the Yahoo article disclosed his final results and I haven't seen it on tv yet. Ugh.

Shore:
What can I say? I would never look at any sports site if I was trying to avoid results. Sorry!

Plushenko may be a good technical skater, but he left much to be desired with his performance. He certainly landed all of his elements, but as the commentators just said, there was no program out on the ice. So, he gets rewarded because he lands the jumps, but he is not penalized for lacking in artistry. Yet, his scores are off the chart. Such a shame. There are definitely better skaters in the competition, but nobody who can nail all of the technical components with the same consistency.

It looks like the Russian skaters will now continue the run of Olympic golds in the men's competition. At least Yagudin was cute and skated pretty out on the ice. He was the nice mix of artist and athlete. Which is always more preferable.

Okay, so Plushenko's performance lacked choreography tonight, but he is able to do that too. I love the way he lands his jumps, like he still had half a second to prepare for the landing--always just ready for the next step, never rushed. Few skaters look like that. And his footwork has been more dramatic, but he knows how to work this system, he worked it and it took him to the top. Easy Gold.

Lambiel sure has a skaters butt. Unfortunate about all those falls.

Oh man, JW is not doing his quad--too bad, that won't hold up. Oh man, that's sad. He needs a killer instinct. Too bad.

[ February 16, 2006, 08:08 PM: Message edited by: shore ]

Oh my god, I laughed my ass off at that one.

I love it that sportswriters like Killion and Dan Wetzel are relaxed enough these days to depict the sport's "gay sensibility" without innuendo.

All I have to say is that I couldn't stop laughing when I saw Stephane Lambiel of Switzerland skate his way to a Silver medal. His outfit made him look like the love child of a Zebra and Tony the Tiger.


[Post modified to delete broken hyperlink. - Outsports moderator]

[ February 17, 2006, 05:58 AM: Message edited by: m1 ]

Does anyone know the music that both Johnny Weir and Daisuke Takahashi skated to last night? Both seemed so familiar but I couldn't place either piece. Thanks in advance...

Shocker.....Dennis and Callahan-hosts of Boston morning sports show on WEEI) while talking about the Olympic keep throwing in jokes about Johnny Weir and other skaters.

Posted by T. (Member # 4113) on February 17, 2006, 05:47 AM:

Congratulations to Yevgeny Plushenko, Stephane Lambiel and Jeffrey Buttle!

Great comeback Evan Lysacek!

Wish Johnny Weir had done better.