JOHNNY WEIR
WINS SECOND
U.S. TITLE!

Johnny nominated for 2004
USOC Sportsman of the Year

Johnny Weir admires the championship trophy. / Photo by Rick Bowmer

January 15, 2005

There's a lot of pressure being a defending champion, but you wouldn't know it watching Johnny Weir Saturday night at the State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Portland, Ore.

Johnny was the picture of composed confidence as he delivered a beautiful, flowing performance, skating to the music "Otonal." The performance earned him a second national title and five 6.0s for presentation.

"As much as I didn't think it would affect me, it is harder coming in as the defending champion," he said. "I'm just completely floored and thrilled that I was able to harness my nerves," Johnny said.

Weir landed all of his jumps with lightness and ease. His scores ranged from 5.8s and 5.9s for technical prowess, as well as the five perfect scores for artistry.

It was the most perfect scores at nationals among the men since Brian Boitano had eight 6.0s for artistry in 1988. Weir received one 6.0 for artistry in his free skate last year at nationals.

"Sixes are great. They're very cool. But you know, as far as the artistic side of the program, I know I have skated it better in the past," he said. "If the judges wanted to give me 6.0s, that was their choice and I'm down with that."

Winning the national title without a quad is one thing, but Johnny knows the quads are a big part of the world championships. He does quads in practice, but hasn't put one in a competition yet. "I'll put one in when I'm ready," he said.

Explaining the quad, Johnny used the word "scary".

"You're on a 1/8-inch blade and you're making four rotations in the air. It's scary, it's difficult, but I'm up to the challenge."

After his performance, the skater known for his flamboyant style, covered his face and triumphantly kicked at the ice.

Weir was the first repeat national champion since Michael Weiss in 1999 and 2000.

"It was so much pressure and so difficult to wait backstage," Weir said. "I was thinking of how hard I trained for this and how I didn't want it to go to waste. That's what pushed me through."

One last comment from the champion: "I'm so happy to be alive and able to do what I love to do."