Challenges in the Life of Johnny Weir in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Johnny Weir. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

2006: Rising Tensions Before Nationals

Prior to Nationals, in 2006, Mark Lund speculated about Weir's sexuality on television. Weir faced pressure and perceived bias from the press and U.S. Figure Skating, who seemed to favor Lysacek.

2006: Difficult Season

The 2005-2006 season was challenging for Johnny Weir, starting with a "minor calamity" and disappointing finishes. In 2006, judges deemed his new short program not difficult enough, requiring him to rework it. A troubled personal relationship also negatively impacted his performances.

2007: Unsuccessful Free Skate Program

For the 2006-2007 season, Johnny Weir's free skating program portraying the life of Christ was poorly received. Weir disliked his costume, and the program did not resonate with spectators or judges.

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: 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.

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.

2009: Considering Retirement

After the previous season, Johnny Weir became depressed and considered quitting figure skating before the 2009-2010 season, but his mother convinced him to continue and aim for the 2010 Olympics.

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.

2010: Addressed homophobic remarks during the 2010 Olympics

During the 2010 Olympics, television commentators brought up Johnny Weir's sexual orientation during his performances, causing him to publicly address homophobic remarks.

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.