Let's talk in English - Johnny said in response to my "good morning". - I'm just afraid it won't be as well in Russian. I try, but make a lot of mistakes. There are so many rules in Russian... To learn all of them is beyond my .
Can you read in Russian?
Read and write. I read your newspaper.
Like it?
For the most part. Say hello to Elena Vaitsehovskaya. We have a longstanding relationship.
Several months ago, Johnny Weir suddenly announced his comeback to competions, as if suddenly remembered something he had forgotten. Maybe, he just missed shocking respectable judges? One can't say after all that the main troublemaker in figure skating have recently settled down. Anyway, he continues to amaze everyone around....
"These are the best sneakers of all time!" - exclaimed a woman passing by our table. And pointed to Johnny's shoes - black sneakers with metal studs all over them. Johnny said thank you. A lady found it necessary to assure him that she was not joking and that those were really the best running shoes. Of all times. How seriously had she studied the history of sneakers, the lady did not specify, but Johnny did not argue. All the more so as he seemed, to some extent, to share her point of view.
The current Johnny is an open and friendly man. Do not hide neither his sexuality, nor all the consequences it causes. He got married recently. To a Russian, of course. Now his name is Johnny Weir-Voronov. Got himself a puppy. His name is Artem Viktorovich Weir-Voronov. Does your dog have a father's name? If not, then congratulations - you are not Johnny. And you probabaly don't have shoes like the ones he has, either.
PHOENIX IN THE AQUARIUM
How is the comeback going?
It's gone a long way already. Both programs - short and free — are set, I'm working on quad jumps. I have a couple more pounds to lose, and then in summer there will be physical training - will drive myself into shape.
Have you found some new things that hurt?
Nothing new, remembered the ones I have forgotten about. But, you know, I'm older now, and my approach to training is different. With strategy.
You say the programs are ready...
In general, yes. We haven't polished them yet, but the foundation is already there.
What can you tell us about them? Music, for example — is it a secret?
Music will be special. I can only say that Lady Gaga personally gave me the music for the short program.
Really…
Oh, yes. The short program will be cool. And for the free... I decided to follow an example of figure skaters of 50s and 60s, when free program was much longer and included several pieces of music. I do the same, but with a modern interpretation and speed. There will be many different classical music pieces - things that everybody knows. A theme of the program is a phoenix. How it rises from the ashes.
Any analogy with yourself?
A lot. I will tell my story on the ice.
Two years you lived as you pleased- ate what you wanted, did what you wanted. What brings you back in sport?
I'm awfully glad that I took two years off. I had to get out of skating and live a little without it. Figure skating is a large fish bowl.
Fish bowl?
Well, yes. You live like a fish behind the glass. Everything sees you, everyone knows everything about everybody, gossip all the time. In hockey, it's probably the same... In general, I ran away from it and was very happy. Got married. My life is extremely beautiful. I found out that figure skating is not the only thing I can do. And I live in the world not only for it. It will be my approach: I am here on the ice, because I want it, not because I have no other choice.
BABUSHKA TARASOVA
And what you'll be like on the ice? Will we see the old Johnny Weir or someone new?
I hope that you will see a wiser Johnny Weir. When younger, you make many different mistakes — what else are you supposed to do? I was terribly moody, did not listen to anyone but myself. And when you are like that, you go into your shell, and on a bad day you are left alone — no one can get you out of it. Now I do not need to be like that. Everything I could do for the U. S. figure skating, I've already done. If it doesn't work this time, I'll quietly quit the sport and I will be happy. So the new Johnny Weir will be more calm and relaxed. I hope this will help me become a stronger skater than I was before.
Are you sure it will help? What if the determination to win will disappear?
I have never been so much set to fight. I'm not a fighter, like Plushenko, who fights like a dog to win each competition. Maybe it's because he's Russian, and I'm an American, and we do not have to to suffer and struggle for everything like you. Or maybe it's just the way I am. Not one of those who is ready to cut his competitor's throat to win... In Russia, you love hockey, maybe, it's a hockey mentality. To score a goal, to help the team... I cannot get over the fact that figure skating is a sport where your fate is decided by 14 complete strangers much older than you.
George Foreman once told me that Russian boxers are hungrier and angrier than Americans.
The same is with Russian figure skating system — it is much more serious. This is especially true for the old Soviet school coaches. Either you succeed or you are nothing.
Did your first encounter with that school shocked you? Tatiana Tarasova certainly was not tender.
That's what I needed... You see, my first coach, Priscilla Hill, has taught me everything I know. But she was very loving and gentle person, even too much. And Tarasova kicked my ass. But outside the rink, she was like babushka: trying to feed me, brush my hair. Galina Zmievskaya is the same: on the ice, she is the toughest and the most difficult person in the world, while in ordinary life, we have wonderful, warm relationship.
What makes Russian school of figure skating so special, what do you think? What does it mean to skate like a Russian?
That I can explain, because I always studied Russian school very carefully. Ever since childhood, on TV. The main thing is that Russians are all very dramatic. Americans are somehow more conservative in their movements. Russians are all about drama - costumes, music and techique. As in hockey, Russians love speed. Arms and legs movements are very wide, with a large amplitude. Americans are much more restrained.
In the old days you gave names to the elements of your costume...
Don't worry about that! I am just as odd as I was before. If I have to give a name to a program or costume, I'll do it. Why not have some fun? The worst thing is to take everything too seriously. What is the point of doing something that does not bring you pleasure?
There is an impression that all your eccentricity is calculated in advance...
Calculated? No. I'm actually a very eccentric man, and do not mind it.
Others do.
Figure skating is an old sport. More precisely, not old, but I will say, senile. Tradition rules, and people who are in charge are quite old. And, by the way, they are not too interested in gay sportsmen. Even though figure skating in the United States has a reputation of "gay" sport. Only it is hushed to not upset anyone. But I decided long ago that there is nothing in life more important than the right to be who I am. And it happened that, on the one hand, I felt no need to always conform to the norm. On the other hand, I know exactly what my sport carreer was very much affected by this.
SHOWER FOR ME, PLATINUM TO PLUSHENKO
Had you been judged fairly, where you would you finished at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, what do you think?
Uh ... You know how much time passed before I found the strength to watch the performances of the others? After Vancouver my heart was broken. I was depressed and had lost all interest in figure skating... Vancouver was a peak. Yes, exactly: it was a peak moment in my life. The most emotional, most dramatic, the most beautiful. I left the ice under an incredible buzz. As soon as the scores were up, it became clear that I was going into sixth place. Wow, I thought, then how everyone else had skated? Behind the scenes, reporters approach me and said: this one fell, that one stopped in the middle of the program and pooped on the ice, and the third set himself on fire with sparks from his nostrils. Why didn't I place higher, then?.. In general, it took seven or eight months for me to watch all the performances, when I had calmed down a bit. I think I was third in Vancouver.
It looks like you have dealt with frustration better than Plushenko.
You bet.
How did you react to him saying he earned a platinum medal and so on?
Figure skating takes all your life and doesn't leave any room for anything else. Plushenko took three years off after Turin, and if he returned to the thick of it, then certainly not for the second place, right? When this is the only thing you think about every day, the only thing you get up for every morning, and it doesn't come to you... Anyone would be depressed.In actual fact, I am much closer to Evgeni than to Evan Lysacek, and root for him much stronger. Of course, it was a very bad for his media image in America... But everyone deals with frustration in their own way. Galina (Zmievskaya), for example, after I dropped to sixth place, went to McDonalds and ate potato fries. For her to allow herself anything like this, she should be extremely depressed. I went to cry in the shower. And Zhenya started talking about platinum medals. To each their own.
Is your relationship with Lysacek, who became the champion then, is still, well, strained?
I haven't seen him for a long time. And the strain that was before was mainly produced by the American media. Well, and figure skating federation, of course. Without a doubt, we did not like each other. But when I got married, he was among the first who sent me congratulations, I was downright shocked. Apparently, we both grew up. We don't have to like each other, but now I have more respect for what he has achieved.
And now you have decided to make a comeback. Do you think you will have a better chance? Had the judges became more liberal?
I think they had. I hope so. But if not, I won't be mad with grief. By the way, our national federation is now behaving toward me better than ever before. Apparently, there have realized that I can maintain a popularity of American figure skating. Evan won the Olympics, but no one remembers who he is. Yes, I can make our sport popular... I hope that my Federation will appoint to the events in which I need to skate. Will tell me how to skate to be in favor of the judges, not just the public. And then the last two years I got used to skate for people who applaud me for shaking my ass for them.
And do you think you can please the judges?
It will be difficult. For Zhenya it was difficult when he came back. And I'm not nearly as popular as he is in Russia... But there is nothing to complain about. In general, in America I am loved and appreciated. The Federation knows it and sees that they need me.
WHERE DID THE GUY GET RUSSIAN GRIEF?
In Sochi, you will be an old man by the standards of figure skating. If you do get there at all.
Yes, I will be 29. But I started skating only at the age of 12! So, I will have 17 years experience. But many of my competitors skate since they were 2, therefore, they have subjected their bodies to stress even longer than I. And why should I not go to Sochi? The field is weak in America now.
And what can you expect there?
It's a competition, and that means I'm going there to win. How can it be otherwise? If you go, knowing that you won't win, then why do you go? Stay at home... But in general, I would just be happy to go to Sochi. Three Olympics is a great success.
Especially given your love for Russia.
Of course! Russia is my inspiration. This applies to coaches, and music, to culture and figure skating traditions in general. To finish my career in Russia is a dream. In addition, I will perform under my new name — Weir-Voronov.
Where does it come from, anyway? You're originally from a village in Pennsylvania. There are many Amish people, but hardly any Russian at all.
I do not know. Simply, it is in me. Some people are attracted to mathematics for some reason. Someone develops a hobby all of a sudden. And here I am five years old terribly interested in Russia. What is this country? Why people don't like it? Why are there such a beautiful buildings at the Red Square? What is communism? I was very attracted to all these puzzles.
And? Did you find something that amazed you the most in Russian culture?
Even the most miserable Russian, who has no money and no job, will act as if he was Putin. This is very Russian — to always act like that. I respect that. In America, people are somehow afraid to do as they like, afraid to offend or annoy someone. Russians do not care. Anything to feel like a king of world and get everyone telling them that... Anyway, Russian history fascinates me. It is very romantic, with all the ups and downs... Red Square is the most beautiful place in the world. Whenever I go there, it always wows me.
I suppose there aren't many Cheburashka collectors in Russia.
And now even our puppy has a Cheburashka.
How many of them do you have?
Well, you know that Japan bought the rights to Cheburashka. So every time going to Japan, I come back with a suitcase full of Cheburashkas. Of all colors and sizes. In addition, Japanese people are very inventive and dress them in all kinds of clothes. I have Cheburashka with skates, in my costumes... I think I can provide five or six elementary schools with Cheburashkas.
It's a strange toy. He sings about it himself...
But he's very cute. That's why I like him. Nobody knows how he got into the box of oranges. But everyone loves him.
Let's test your knowledge of Russian culture. What, for example, is your favorite Russian book?
I have a small collection of poems by Pushkin, that I always carry around with me.
Pushkin in translation is difficult. Do you have any favorite quote?
I remember one, but I think it is from Tolstoy. Upon the brink of a wild stream he stood and dreamed a mighty dream.
It is Pushkin.
What, I fucked up? Ok, Pushkin then.
Favorite movie?
Moskva slezam nye verit.
Good choice. Favorite celebrity?
Alla Pugacheva. I love her. Just because I'm an old Russian woman in the bottom of my heart. And Sergei Lazarev.
An old Russian woman?
Many of my friends are old Russian ladies. My coaches, their friends, my dentist and her friends. We love to talk to each other about the bags and coats, how to make Russian salad...
Here you are, the next question: favorite Russian dish.
My mother-in-law makes an incredibly delicious pirozhki with chicken. I like Oliver salad and caviar very much.
Favorite Russian athlete?
Zhenya, Irina Slutskaya and Svetlana Khorkina, the gymnast. I love her. Diva!
BEING BORIS YELTSIN
I am trying to imagine a Russian athlete who loves America as you love Russia. I think he would have hard times. And how do you feel being a Russophile in America?
Americans often ask me the same question that you asked, "Why? Where does it come from?" It is interesting. And in Russia, I think, a person like me would be teared apart without a chance to explain himself. But I must say that I did a lot of stupid things. For example, wearing a sweater with the words "Soviet Union" during the warm-up in Turin. It was a gift from Tatyana Totmianina - just like a talisman. Probably, the federation would be more happy if I was speaking English and not Russian to my coach in the Kiss and Cry.You never know who am I discussing it in front of cameras? And there were a lot more things that didn't make people happy. But in general, people like the fact that I represent America at its best quality - the freedom to be who I want and to love what I want.
And do many people in America like it?
Well, not all, of course. But I blame myself. I used to be very aggressive non-conformist, just threw it people in the face. Not understanding what a resonance it may cause. I went to the Olympics in Turin without any idea how many people would look at me. And, of course, many people reacted very harshly. There were even threats of physical harm. I had to register in hotels under fake names. I often used the name "Boris Yeltsin".
How did they threaten you? Called?
Called, wrote. Once I received a fax with a threat: "Be a man and die." The reason was my costume that featured fur. People protesting against fur are sick in the head... Even now I get all kinds of things. Religious groups, homophobes... What is worse,it's when people try to get me. Now, for example, there is a fan that follows me. Absolutely sick person. Threaten me, Voronov, a friend of mine, whom she is convinced is my mistress. Hard to deal with crazies...
By the way... you know, Russia is a very homophobic country. Does it affect your love for all the things Russian?
It hurts me that people like me cannot live a normal life in Russia. It pains me that those who defend their rights in Russia are immediately silenced... But what to do? Being gay - it's not an American culture, and not Russian, not Chinese, not any other. There is about the same number of us everywhere. If I had a choice, I would not even think: I would lead a life of a straight man and no problem. It's so much easier! But I have no choice, and no one else does. Yes, it hurts me that Russia does not recognize my life and hates it. But I still love Russia. I would still live in Russia if I could. At least in Moscow.
You don't have problems in Moscow and St. Petersburg?
Never did! Never! well, there was one time in Moscow when they tried to steal my bag. I went once to a gay bar in Moscow. There were other skaters who went there just out of interest. Security there - wow. And they didn't turn the music on until three a.m., so as not to attract attention ... It's sad. Russia is becoming more modern, but in this respect it's the Middle Ages still. And there is no progress... But however much I feel like a Russian, I am not Russian and I cannot fight for anything in Russia.
Did your mother cry when you told her about yourself?
Of course. All parents, when they learn that their children are gay, immediately begin to blame themselves - as if it is some kind of mistake. But what could she do? I was like that since I was six... Now everything is great - with her, with Victor's parents. Even though I am not an easy person to deal with.
HORSES, LADY GAGA, "CHANEL"
Have you ever tried to change your style of skating, to make it more masculine?
Of course I've tried. At one time I worked with Marina Anissina, Olympic champion of Salt Lake City in ice dancing. She came up with a very interesting program for me: in the short program, I was a chess piece, in the free I was Jesus. Marina wanted my skating to be modern, sharp, man-like. That is, to be less elegant and ballet. And I love exactly it. My idol is Mikhail Baryshnikov. In general, it did not work... In fact, it was a very lousy time in my life. There was a problem in my personal life, I was depressed, and it affected my skating badly.
As you say, you started skating at 12, which is extremely late. At the same time I have heard that you did axel during the first week.
I did! I looked on TV, then went on a frozen corn field near the house and jumped.
With a one foot landing?
All as it should be... What? I am from such part of America that I am not afraid of anything. I am afraid of sharks and big crowds. Spiders, too. Falling on the ice — no way. In Pennsylvania, there is so much snow and ice in the winter was that every winter the backside turns into a bruise. And before that I did equestrian sports.
Obstacles race?
Yes. And I was a kid. Sitting on an animal the size of a car and jump over obstacles - that was scary.
And how it went?
Very good... at first I was into soccer, but it was not for me. A team, bustle, sweat, kicking the ball... No thanks. Tried skiing, and then transferred to a horse. Came very close to the national team of my age, but once I discovered figure skating, all the rest went.
Lady Gaga gives you music. Are you friends with her?
To the extent it's possible to be friends with a superstar. She supports me and is interested in my career. One day I was sitting in her mother's restaurant, and she, her mother, told me, 'It would be great if you could skate to the Gaga's music "
Gaga?
No, of course, she called her Stephanie. In short, the mother called her daughter, and she sent me a the music piece.
And the costume is also going to be Gaga-style?
Maybe it should.
Judges will be delighted.
(Laughs) We'll see. I just want to have fun. If it will annoy people or make them think, laugh or cry — then it's good. Whether I win or finish in 20th place - who knows? But I will do exactly what I want and nothing else. Probably my time to win an Olympic medal is already gone. But to entertain people, to change my sport, to change my own opinion about myself
I'm still capable of that.
Once you said that, when you skate you go to your dream world. And that you want to lead an audience there. What does your world look like?
It's like inside a cloud.There are sequins flying, and it smells of "Chanel number 5."
Somehow it doesn't surprise me.
This is my world. It is light, shiny and smells good.
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