Weir to sit out 2010-11 season

[chipso1]

http://www.usfigureskating.org/Story...775&type=media

Not that surprising, really.

Three-time U.S. champion Johnny Weir announced today he will not compete during the 2010-11 season, taking time off from competition to concentrate on his skating technique and pursue other interests.

"My decision comes after months of weighing the pros and cons of competing this season," Weir said. "I have decided that I need a year to rest and reinvent myself as an athlete and artist. I say this with the hope of returning as a competitor for the 2011-12 season."

ETA: Johnny's statement

[oleada]

I'm shocked, I tell you.
Now who'll get his GP spots? He's got TEB and SC.

[MikiAndoFan#1]

Awww.



I was hoping Johnny would compete next season.

[BittyBug]

Not a surprise, but still sad. I will greatly miss his presence on the competitive scene.

[haribobo]

Sylvia's list from the other thread:

"MEN not guaranteed a GP but next in line according to the ISU Season Best scores list (* = ISU Jr.-eligible):

25 Bradley USA - name not submitted for GP selection
27 Amodio FRA - 1 GP
28 Borodulin RUS - 1 GP
30 Sawyer CAN - 1 GP
31 Lindemann GER - believe he has retired? (ETA: because his name is no longer listed on the current World Standings list)
32 Wu CHN - 1 GP
34 *Messing USA - returning to JGP; did not submit his name for GP
36 Guan CHN - 1 GP
37 Carriere USA - 1 GP
38 Hochstein USA (new)
39 *Dornbush USA (new) - could still return to JGP but I heard he had elected to go Sr.
40 Yang CHN - CHN still has 2 TBA men
41 Kovalevski UKR - 1 GP
42 *Mahbanoozadeh USA
43 Berntsson SWE - 1 GP
44 *Yan CHN - expect him to return to JGP
45 Bacchini ITA (new) - 1 GP
46 Murakami JPN - 1 GP
47 *Rogozine CAN - expect him to return to JGP
48 Ten CAN - 1 GP
49 Pfeifer AUT (new) - 1 GP
50 *Dmitriev RUS - expect him to return to JGP
51 *Kovalev RUS - expect him to return to JGP
52 *Majorov SWE - expect him to return to JGP
53 *Bush RUS - expect him to return to JGP
54 P. Liebers GER - 1 GP
55 Chipeur CAN
56 *Nakamura JPN - expect him to return to JGP
57 Kazakov BLR (new) - 1 GP
58 *Gorshkov RUS - expect him to return to JGP
59 Russell CAN
60 Nanri JPN - 1 GP
61 Kanallakan USA (new)
..."


Weir's TEB spot can't go to Amodio or any other French guy, and his SC spot can't go to Sawyer or any other Canadian....but Amodio could get the SC spot and Sawyer could get TEB...also Borodulin, Wu, Guan, Carriere, Hochstein, Dornbush, Yang.......are likely replacements.

[JJH]

What is the probability that he is done for good?

[igniculus]

No surprise here. I do not think he will compete afterwards.

[REO]

I totally expected this but I don't have to like it. I do hope his other projects are wildly successful and that he comes back next year. Hopefully those two wishes are not at odds.

[Jenny]

The only way I see Johnny coming back to competition is if his other projects don't pan out, including finding enough work as a skater. I'd say it's 50-50 at this point.

[briancoogaert]

The thing is that I'm fairly sure he won't be able to comeback.
He has an amazing skating, but very old fashion, and he is not a great athlete. So, I don't see him coming back better than he actually is. Except the artistic side, he can be more modern, but it won't be better for his rankings ! JMHO

[BittyBug]

If Sasha could come back, anything is possible. Or at least I'll hope so.

.....and he is not a great athlete. So, I don't see him coming back better than he actually is.

I'm hoping something got lost in translation on this, because I can't see how any of the top guys are not great athletes, Johnny included. You don't rack up the number of medals he has without being a great athlete.

Now, whether he has peaked athletically is a different matter. Time is probably against him on that point.

[sunny_sari]

The thing is that I'm fairly sure he won't be able to comeback.
He has an amazing skating, but very old fashion, and he is not a great athlete. So, I don't see him coming back better than he actually is. Except the artistic side, he can be more modern, but it won't be better for his rankings ! JMHO

Huh? We must not be watching the same skater.

It won't be the same without you Johnny. Figure skating will be a lot less fabulous and fun this year. Enjoy your time, enjoy your life. Here's hoping you'll come back to us soon.

[CynicElle]

What is the probability that he is done for good?

I really didn't think he'd ever compete as an eligible again and I'm honestly surprised that he's leaving the door open to come back.

[MOIJTO]

What is the probability that he is done for good?

He may hang on like Michelle and never actually announce retirement.

I will miss Johnny!

[skatesindreams]

Not surprising!

If Johnny wishes to return to competition after his hiatus, I hope that he succeeds.
In the meantime, I hope that some of the opportinities he hopes for are genuine, and come to pass.

He will be missed.

[Stephanie]

I'd really love for Hochstein to get one of those spots..he's the highest ranked man (who's not returning to the JGP) without a GP spot. Maybe he'll get SC since it's close and cheap for SC?

I wonder if Amodio's competing in Japan the week before will work against him.

[Wyliefan]

I wonder if Amodio's competing in Japan the week before will work against him.

I hope not -- I'd love to see him get it.

[Dilng]

What is the probability that he is done for good?

I would say 100%!!

[briancoogaert]

I'm hoping something got lost in translation on this, because I can't see how any of the top guys are not great athletes, Johnny included. You don't rack up the number of medals he has without being a great athlete.

Yes, I think, lol
My thought is that athletisism is not his best strenght ! Compared to Evan, Evgeny, Daisuke, Stephane, Brian. They are all more dynamic and powerful.
That's what I meant.
So, I'm afraid it won't be better after a year off

[genevieve]

The only way I see Johnny coming back to competition is if his other projects don't pan out, including finding enough work as a skater. I'd say it's 50-50 at this point.

^ This

Not surprising, but I will miss seeing Johnny skate. Boo.