"I am here to officially announce my return to competitive figure skating in hopes of becoming a member of the 2012 American Olympic Figure Skating Team," multitasker Johnny Weir told reporters today.
Having taken a break from skating to focus on writing a tell-all book, record the single "Dirty Love," judge on ABC's Skating With the Stars, star on his own Logo series and even create a fashion collection, it wasn't clear when or if Weir would return to the ice rink. Today that question finally gets answered as Weir stated his ambitions for Olympic gold.
Although he has been training in secret with his main coaching team of Galina Zmievskaya and Victor and Nina Petrenko, Weir said that he still has to do some work to get back into competitive shape. "I have about 8 pounds I need to get off me," the petite star revealed, noting that with diet and exercise it wouldn't be a problem.
Why now? Weir wants to continue growing as an athlete and doesn't want to regret not going for it when he's in his fifties. Older than the other skaters competing for a spot on the Olympic team, Weir remarked that "My age is the number one challenge of reentering, and there's no way around that." However, he pointed out that as most other skaters began training at two and he began at 12, he has the same number of years experience. "My body is the same age even though I am older in numbers."
No way does he expect it to be easy. Weir knows the hard work required, "I wanna show up and compete and have people take this seriously. I'm not going into competitive skating with any airs, seeking special treatment. I am just one of the people. 1st place, 20th place, it doesn't matter. My own personal feelings will be completely fulfilled just to compete."
Weir definitely has the drive and hunger for success though, later claiming "Even if it's delusional you don't go to finish 2nd. There's no point in competing if you don't think you can win."
He said he would bel be training hard at the Ice House in Hackensack, NJ and should be prepared to enter competitions by this spring. Look for him to perform in Japan in March in a special commemoration of the one-year anniversary of the tragedy that struck there. Not one to stay down, he has a lot of fun ideas to bring to the table including a mash-up of Carmen and Lady Gaga that we can't wait to see.
Husband Victor was there to support his man. Although they have already been married in a civil ceremony, the two are planning a huge soiree so they can be married again, this time surrounded by friends and family. Apparently Johnny's mother-in-law is taking over the reigns of what promises to be a dream wedding for the couple.
"I'm very excited about it. The actual ceremony took place... it was simple and very subdued. My family is expecting icicles!" he laughed. The couple is planning to don either Tom Ford or Viktor & Rolf at the event. Asked how married life has been, Weir revealed his tender side, "It's strange wearing a ring everyday, especially when I'm lotioning. It's beautiful to have someone that's excited to see you, to cook for somebody. I'm very happy, very fulfilled. I'm happy that I found somebody and I never thought I would. I'm thankful for that everyday and I hope that this is forever and ever."
