Career Timeline of Johnny Weir: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Johnny Weir, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

John Garvin Weir, an American television commentator and retired figure skater, achieved considerable success in his athletic career. He is a two-time Olympian, a 2008 World bronze medalist, and a two-time Grand Prix Final bronze medalist. Weir also distinguished himself as the 2001 World Junior Champion and a three-time U.S. National champion (2004–2006). Notably, he was the youngest U.S. National champion since 1991 and the first skater since the 1980s to win three consecutive U.S. National titles. In 2007, he became the first American to win the Cup of Russia.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1987: Galindo and Eldredge came in first and second place

In 1987 Rudy Galindo and Todd Eldredge came in first and second place in a competition. It would take until 2001 for American men to come in first and second place in a competition again.

1991: Todd Eldredge won U.S. Nationals at age 19

In 1991, Todd Eldredge won U.S. Nationals at the age of 19. In 2004, Johnny Weir became the youngest male skater, at the age of 19, to win the U.S. Nationals since Todd Eldredge in 1991, also at the age of 19.

1992: Galina Zmievskaya coached Viktor Petrenko

In 1992 Galina Zmievskaya coached Viktor Petrenko to win gold medal at the Olympics.

1994: No American male won medals at World Championships

In 2004, Johnny Weir participated in the U.S. World Championships team. It was the first time since 1994 that no American male won medals at the World Championships.

1997: Won regional competitions in single skating

During the 1997-1998 season, Johnny Weir won regional and other minor competitions as a novice in single skating.

1997: First Year of Single Skating

In 1997, during his first year of single skating, Johnny Weir finished fourth as a juvenile in the Junior Olympics and won first place in the South Atlantic Regionals, also as a juvenile.

1998: Finished third at U.S. National Championships

During the 1997–1998 season, Johnny Weir came in third place in the novice division at the U.S. National Championships.

1998: Derrick Delmore won at Junior Worlds

In 1998, Derrick Delmore won at Junior Worlds. Johnny Weir would later be the first American male skater since Derrick Delmore in 1998 to win at Junior Worlds in 2001.

1999: Competed in regional and minor competitions

During the 1998–1999 season, Johnny Weir competed in regional and minor competitions and came in fourth place at the U.S. Nationals.

1999: Eligible to compete in the Junior Grand Prix

In 1999 Johnny Weir became eligible to compete in the Junior Grand Prix.

1999: Won Junior Eastern Sectionals

Johnny Weir won the Junior Eastern Sectionals in 1999.

2000: Michael Weiss earned a perfect score

In 2000 Michael Weiss earned a perfect score. In 2004, Johnny Weir earned a perfect score for presentation, the first perfect score earned by a man at U.S. Nationals since Michael Weiss earned one in 2000.

2000: Competed in Junior Grand Prix assignments

In the 1999–2000 season, Johnny Weir competed in the Junior Grand Prix, coming in seventh and second place in his two assignments. At the 2000 U.S. Nationals, he was in first place after the short program but ended up in fifth place overall.

2000: Won Junior Eastern Sectionals

Johnny Weir won the Junior Eastern Sectionals in 2000.

2001: World Junior Champion

In 2001, Johnny Weir achieved the title of World Junior Champion, a major accomplishment early in his career.

2001: Ranked 18th-best in the world

In 2001, Johnny Weir was ranked 18th-best in the world.

2001: Competed as a senior for the first time

In the 2000–2001 season, Johnny Weir competed as a senior for the first time, placing sixth at the U.S. Nationals despite an injury. He also won the Eastern Sectionals and the gold medal at the World Junior Championships at the age of 16.

2001: Won the 2001 Junior World Championship

Johnny Weir won the Junior World Championship in 2001.

2002: Participated in multiple competitions

During the 2001–2002 season, Johnny Weir participated in two Grand Prix assignments, the Goodwill Games, a team pro-am competition, the U.S. Nationals, and the Four Continents Championships. He came in fifth place at the 2002 U.S. Nationals.

2002: Skated in one international competition

During the 2002–2003 season, Johnny Weir skated in one international competition, the Finlandia Trophy. He withdrew from the Cup of Russia.

2003: Withdrew from U.S. Championships

In 2003, during his free skate, Johnny Weir withdrew from the U.S. Championships in Dallas after hitting the rink wall and injuring his back and knee.

2003: Trained with Tatiana Tarasova

In the summer of 2003, Johnny Weir trained with Russian coach Tatiana Tarasova for six weeks at the International Skating Center in Simsbury, Connecticut. He moved to a nearby rink called The Pond, for less crowded conditions.

2004: U.S. National Champion

In 2004, Johnny Weir became a U.S. National champion.

2004: Competed in Marshall's World Figure Skating Challenge

In 2004, Johnny Weir competed in the Marshall's World Figure Skating Challenge, finishing in third place. He also toured with Champions on Ice during the summer, alongside various skaters.

2004: Continued training with coaches Hill and Tarasova

In 2004, Johnny Weir continued to train with both Hill and Tarasova in Simsbury. He was assigned the NHK Trophy in Japan and Trophee Bompard in Paris.

2004: Won U.S. Nationals in Atlanta

In 2004, Johnny Weir won the U.S. Nationals in Atlanta, marking his first national title and being the youngest male skater to do so since 1991. His performance was clean and elegant, earning high scores, including a perfect score for presentation.

2004: Won first national title

In 2004, at age 19, Johnny Weir won his first national title after training with Tatiana Tarasova.

2004: Season was the "turning point"

The 2003-2004 season was 'the turning point' for Johnny Weir, after training with Tatiana Tarasova.

2005: Training and Ranking

In 2005, Johnny Weir continued training with Hill and Tarasov for the upcoming 2005-2006 season.

2005: Wins Second Nationals Title

In 2005, Johnny Weir won his second consecutive U.S. Nationals title, marking the first repeat championship since 1999 and 2000. Despite a slightly lower score than Timothy Goebel in the short program, Weir's free skate, which included creative spins and footwork, secured his victory. His free skating program earned him high scores, and he was chosen to represent the U.S. at the 2005 World Championships.

2005: Competitions and Victory

In October 2005, Johnny Weir finished fourth at the Campbell's Classic. Later in October at Skate Canada, he finished seventh after an injury. In November 2005, he placed third overall at the Cup of Russia. In December 2005, Weir won the Marshalls U.S. Figure Skating Challenge in Boston.

2005: Grand Prix season

Johnny Weir was assigned the NHK Trophy in Japan and Trophee Bompard in Paris for the 2004-2005 Grand Prix season.

August 2006: Late Training Start

Johnny Weir began training late for the 2006-2007 season in August 2006, due to illness. He also worked with ice dancer Marina Anissina, who choreographed both his short program and free skate.

2006: Won three consecutive U.S. titles

At the 2006 U.S. Nationals, Johnny Weir became the first male skater to win three consecutive U.S. titles since Brian Boitano.

2006: 2006 World Championships and TV Appearance

In 2006, Johnny Weir competed at the World Championships, finishing in seventh place due to back pain and errors in his free skate. He later toured with Champions on Ice and made his TV debut on "My Life on the D-List" with Kathy Griffin.

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2006: The Swan Program Debut

In 2006, Johnny Weir debuted his short program based on Camille Saint-Saëns' "The Swan," featuring a black-and-white costume with a red glove. Despite initial laughter and potential risks to his reputation, Weir embraced the program, recognizing its potential to change perceptions of him. The New York Times covered the debut of the program and costume.

2006: Two-time Olympian and Three-Time U.S. National Champion

In 2006, Johnny Weir participated in the Winter Olympics. He was also the youngest U.S. National champion since 1991. He became the first skater to win U.S. Nationals three times in a row since Brian Boitano in the late 1980s.

2006: 2006 U.S. Nationals Win and Olympics Selection

In 2006, at the U.S. Nationals, Johnny Weir's short program victory, despite flaws in his free skate, led to his win. Following the competition, U.S. Figure Skating reprimanded Weir for certain statements. Nevertheless, Weir, along with Lysacek and Savoie, was selected to represent the U.S. at the 2006 Winter Olympics.

2007: U.S. Nationals Results

At the U.S. Nationals in 2007, Johnny Weir tied with Lysacek for first place with 244.77 points, but Lysacek was named champion due to winning the free skate. Despite protests from Weir's fans and the media, the results stood. Weir, Lysacek, and Stephen Carriere were chosen to compete at the Worlds Championships.

2007: Stars on Ice Tour

During the summer of 2007, Johnny Weir toured with Stars on Ice, performing a combined skating routine called "Fallen Angels" with Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov to Handel's "Sarabande". The routine, choreographed by Petukhov, gained significant praise and attention, with a YouTube clip reaching over 100,000 views. Weir stated that people bought tickets to Stars on Ice just to see the routine in person.

2007: Won Cup of Russia

In 2007, Johnny Weir became the first American to win Cup of Russia.

2007: Grand Prix Season and Injury

In 2007, Johnny Weir competed at the Grand Prix Final but withdrew due to a hip injury. He described his Grand Prix season as "disastrous" leading into the 2007 U.S. Nationals.

2007: Finished third at U.S. Nationals and changed coach

In 2007, Johnny Weir finished third at the U.S. Nationals and replaced his long-time coach Priscilla Hill, with Galina Zmievskaya.

2007: Third Place at Nationals

In 2007, Johnny Weir finished third overall at Nationals, with Lysacek winning first place. Weir acknowledged the pressure and difficulty of skating after Lysacek's high-scoring performance. Weir chose not to compete at Four Continents Championships, so fourth-place finisher Jeremy Abbott went in his place.

2007: Coaching Change

In 2007, Johnny Weir parted ways with his longtime coach Priscilla Hill and began working with Galina Zmievskaya. He sought Zmievskaya's stricter approach to help him improve and win championships.

2008: Tied for first place at U.S. Nationals

At the 2008 U.S. Nationals, Johnny Weir tied for first place with Evan Lysacek with 244.77 points, but Lysacek was named champion due to winning the free skate.

2008: Skate America Competition

In 2008, Johnny Weir competed at Skate America for the first time in his career, coming in second place overall with 225.20 points. He placed second in the short program, less than one point behind Lysacek.

2008: Moved to New Jersey and Training Changes

In 2008, Johnny Weir moved to an apartment in New Jersey to train with his new coach, Galina Zmievskaya. He changed his choreographer and training routine. Weir felt homesick and nervous about living alone in a large city, but he also believed the move taught him discipline and independence.

2008: World Bronze Medalist

In 2008, Johnny Weir won the World bronze medal, marking a significant achievement in his career.

June 2009: Pop Star on Ice Premieres

In June 2009, Johnny Weir's documentary, "Pop Star on Ice," premiered during the Frameline Film Festival in San Francisco and was shown at film festivals around the U.S.

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2009: Did not qualify for World Championships

In 2009, Johnny Weir finished fifth at the U.S. Nationals, which meant that for the first time since 2003, he did not qualify for the World Championships.

2009: U.S. Nationals Result

In 2009, Johnny Weir finished seventh in the short program at the U.S. Nationals with 70.76 points, marking his lowest result in the short program as a senior skater at Nationals. Jeremy Abbott won the gold medal, breaking Weir and Lysacek's dominance.

2009: Ranking

In 2009, Johnny Weir was ranked seventh-best in the world.

2009: Bronze Medal at Worlds Championship

In 2009, Johnny Weir won the bronze medal at the Worlds Championship with a total score of 221.84 points, securing three slots for the American men in the 2009 Worlds championship.

January 2010: "Be Good Johnny Weir" Airs on Sundance Channel

In January 2010, the Sundance Channel premiered the eight-episode documentary series, "Be Good Johnny Weir," which focused on the recent events of his career. The channel also aired his film "Pop Star on Ice" in Manhattan.

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July 2010: Withdrawal from Competition

In July 2010, Johnny Weir announced his withdrawal from the 2010-2011 season, planning to take a year to explore new avenues while considering a return for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

2010: Ineligible for bye into Nationals

In 2010 Johnny Weir was not eligible for a bye into Nationals because he did not place in the top five at the 2013 Nationals or medaled at the 2010 Olympics or 2013 World Championships.

2010: Rostelecom Cup Result

In 2010, Johnny Weir competed at the Rostelecom Cup (previously Cup of Russia), finishing fourth overall with 198.55 points. He credited his Russian fans for encouraging him to continue and perform better.

2010: Two-time Olympian

In 2010, Johnny Weir participated in the Winter Olympics.

2010: U.S. Nationals and Olympic Selection

In 2010, Johnny Weir placed third overall at the U.S. Nationals with 232.09 points and was selected for the 2010 Winter Olympics along with Jeremy Abbott and Lysacek.

2010: Skating with the Stars Judge

In 2010, Johnny Weir served as a judge on Skating with the Stars alongside Dick Button and Laurieann Gibson. The show lasted only one season.

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2010: Qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics

Johnny Weir qualified for the 2010 Winter Olympics by winning bronze at the 2010 U.S. Nationals.

June 2011: Withdrawal from 2011-2012 Season

In June 2011, Johnny Weir announced his withdrawal from the 2011-2012 season, citing his inability to train adequately due to numerous obligations but expressed his intention to compete in Sochi.

2011: Competitive Skating Break

In 2011, Johnny Weir took a break from competitive skating.

2011: Quiet Training

In the fall of 2011, Johnny Weir quietly began training for a possible return to competitive skating.

2011: Came out in early 2011

Johnny Weir came out in early 2011 and has since been involved in LGBTQ activism.

January 2012: Return Announcement

In January 2012, Johnny Weir announced his return to competitive skating with the goal of competing at the Sochi Olympics. He resumed working with his former coach, Galina Zmievskaya, and retained his previous trainers, designers, and seamstresses.

2012: Competed at Finlandia Trophy

In 2012, Johnny Weir competed at the Finlandia Trophy, attempting a quadruple jump in both his short program and free skate for the first time. He finished fourth overall, placing fourth after the short program with 69.03 points and sixth in the free skate with 132.39 points, earning 201.42 points overall.

2012: Possible Sochi Competition

In 2012, Johnny Weir expressed his intention to compete in Sochi.

October 2013: Joined NBC as Figure Skating Analyst

In October 2013, Johnny Weir retired from competition and joined NBC as a figure skating analyst at the Sochi Olympics, forming a successful commentating team with Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski.

October 2013: Retirement from Competition and Joining NBC

In October 2013, Johnny Weir retired from competitive figure skating and started working as a figure skating analyst for NBC at the Sochi Olympics.

2013: Writing Column for News Press

In 2013, Johnny Weir began writing a weekly column in the Falls-Church News Press.

2013: Eligibility for US Nationals

In 2013, Johnny Weir competed at small competitions and qualifying events to be eligible to compete at the U.S. Nationals.

2013: Retired from competitive figure skating

In 2013, Johnny Weir retired from competitive figure skating, marking the end of his career as an athlete.

2013: Grand Prix Withdrawals and Injury

In 2013, Johnny Weir withdrew from both the Rostelecom Cup and Trophée Bompard due to injuries, including re-aggravating his ACL and a hip injury. This put his comeback attempt on hold, but he hoped to make the 2014 U.S. Olympic team.

2014: Designed Yuzuru Hanyu's Costume

In 2014, Johnny Weir designed the costume for Yuzuru Hanyu's free skating program for the Sochi Olympics.

2014: Joined NBC as a commentator

In 2014, Johnny Weir joined NBC as a commentator, starting at the Sochi Olympics. He teamed up with Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, becoming NBC's primary figure skating analysts.

2014: Sochi Olympics Consideration

In 2014, Johnny Weir left open the possibility of returning in time for the Sochi Olympics.

2014: Hope to Make Olympic Team

In 2014, Johnny Weir still hoped to make the U.S. Olympic team.

2016: Fashion Analyst and Correspondent for the 2016 Summer Olympics

In 2016, Johnny Weir and Tara Lipinski worked as fashion analysts and correspondents for the Summer Olympics.

2018: Commentated for the 2018 Winter Olympics

In 2018, Johnny Weir provided commentary for the Winter Olympics, alongside Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski.

2018: Commentating for skating at PyeongChang Olympics

In 2018, Johnny Weir, alongside Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, commentated for skating at the PyeongChang Olympics as NBC's primary figure skating analysts.

2020: Hosted the 2020 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremonies

In 2020, Johnny Weir, along with Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, hosted the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.

2022: Hosted the 2022 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremonies

In 2022, Johnny Weir, along with Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, hosted the closing ceremonies for the Winter Olympics.

2022: Commentating for skating at Beijing Olympics

In 2022, Johnny Weir, alongside Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, commentated for skating at the Beijing Olympics as NBC's primary figure skating analysts.

May 2023: Announced Retirement from Performance Skating

In May 2023, Johnny Weir announced his retirement from performance skating, with his final performances in May and June.

September 2023: Announced Creation of Skating Academy

In September 2023, Johnny Weir announced the creation of a skating academy in Wilmington, Delaware, to train skaters for national and world competitions.

2024: Hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremonies

In 2024, Johnny Weir, along with Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, hosted the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics.

2026: Commentated for the 2026 Winter Olympics

In 2026, Johnny Weir is slated to commentate for the Winter Olympics.

2026: Commentating for skating at Milano Cortino Olympics

Johnny Weir, alongside Terry Gannon and Tara Lipinski, is scheduled to commentate for skating at the Milano Cortino Olympics in 2026 as NBC's primary figure skating analysts.