Johnny Weir: Smoke On the Ice
Much has been made of the final outcome of the men's figure skating competition. With Evan Lysacek securing the gold, the figure skating world in essence has decided to go in the direction of artistry over athleticism. Some feel this has robbed the sport, and others are likely happy to see a return to basics. Both Plushenko and Lysacek skated superbly, and despite their different approaches, each deserves equal praise. But what about the lone wolf, Johnny Weir?
Johnny finished fifth overall, coming nowhere close to a medal. However, by skating the "best skate of his life, ever," according to skating analyst and former Olympic champion Scott Hamilton, he did something more. Johnny made me a believer.
Weir's long program performance was mesmerizing and aptly titled "Fallen Angels." Weir's skating was beautiful and elegant -- I was in sensory overload. It felt like watching smoke gliding over the ice, smooth, silky, and ethereal. When Johnny did the same required jumps as his competitors, I didn't cringe or worry about some awaiting disaster. Weir was flawless from head to toe, from start to finish.
Often over-shadowed by his off-ice personality and quotable sound-bites, Weir's talent may be missed by those not paying attention. On the ice, at least this time, this performance, Johnny let his talent speak for itself. It seemed, this was part of Johnny's plan all along. After the short program on Tuesday Weir stated:
"I knew coming in here that a medal was pretty far-fetched for me. Not just through the publics' eyes but just through peoples' eyes in general I haven't really been a contender for a couple of years now, so to be let out of that 10 that people were thinking could challenge for a medal, I have no problems with that. I've accepted it. I understand it. I did the best I could."
Weir may have been resigned to his Olympic lot, but he still planned to give the audience and judges his best during his final performance.
"I just want people to feel me. I want people to feel like they are doing this with me regardless of where they are from or who they are rooting for. I want them to feel like they are out there on the ice with me.''
Which is exactly what he did. Weir put himself into his performance and became as close to being one with the ice as any skater I have ever witnessed. It was magical to behold. Judges be damned.
Quite honestly, Johnny should have his own Las Vegas show. Now that would be golden!
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