The Johnny Weir Skating Academy

[YukiNieve]

When I talked with Gracie at Ice On Fire in early June and asked her about JWSA, she told me that she will teach there part-time. I am not sure if her plan changed since then.

 

[Sylvia]

Johnny and Megan did an Instagram Live earlier today and answered many questions about the Academy: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cu2_Cqeqvkn/

During the Live they said they're not ready to name the third member of their coaching team just yet.

 

[Sylvia]

Posted on the JWSA account 3 days ago: https://www.instagram.com/p/CwafIPNL37O/

Head Coach, Mykhailo “Misha” Medunytsia

2-time Ukrainian Medalist
2-time Ukrainian Junior Medalist
Ukraine National Team
International Competitor
Principle Star of Professional Tours
Coaching since 2016
Graduate of South Ukraine Ushynsky University
Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Culture

Misha’s career on the ice began by chance. After his pediatrician recommended Misha take up ice sports at age 4 to improve his health, his parents took him to their local rink in Odesa. After a few years of recreational skating, Misha fell in love with jumping especially, and wanted to reach for the stars from center ice. At his career’s peak, under the tutelage of Ukrainian National Coach Georgi Starkov, Misha competed internationally for his beloved Ukraine and excelled especially, in jumping and skating skills. Misha says that his professional career taught him more about his abilities and his strengths than his time on competitive ice. When he’s not on the ice, Misha enjoys studying psychology, taking walks in nature and spending time with his family, no matter how far apart they are. In recent years, Misha and his family have been safe in Romania after fleeing their home city of Odesa and we are proud to welcome him to America.

ISU bio (Mikhail Medunitsa): http://www.isuresults.com/bios/isufs00014649.htm

 

[Sylvia]

The Tidewater (Virginia) Figure Skating Club hosted a seminar by Weir and his skating academy on May 4, 2024 - here are 2 local articles:

Yorktown Skaters Learn from 2-Time Olympian Johnny Weir | Williamsburg Yorktown Daily

YORKTOWN — Skaters from both the Chilled Ponds Yorktown and Chilled Ponds Chesapeake were in for a treat on May 4 when the Tidewater Figure Skating Club hosted two-time Olympian Johnny Weir to teach a…

wydaily.com

May 3: https://www.wavy.com/sports/local-s...eir-in-chesapeake-for-figure-skating-seminar/

 

[Capt. DeSoto]

I think today is the Weir Academy's first day in their new digs, they moved up to Aston, PA. Viktor Pfeifer moved his crew down to Wilmington today as well.

 

[Debbie S]

I think today is the Weir Academy's first day in their new digs, they moved up to Aston, PA. Viktor Pfeifer moved his crew down to Wilmington today as well.

So they switched places. Interesting. Viktor was originally at Wilmington so this probably worked out well for him. I think Johnny was going to be running Wilmington's Aspire program, though...wonder if he will still be doing that or if Viktor is taking it over.

 

[jackson]

So they switched places. Interesting. Viktor was originally at Wilmington so this probably worked out well for him. I think Johnny was going to be running Wilmington's Aspire program, though...wonder if he will still be doing that or if Viktor is taking it over.

This is very interesting! I wonder if there was a dramatic turn of event. A member of Johnny's coaching team has been known to have a hot temper, allegedly of course

 

[jackson]

So they switched places. Interesting. Viktor was originally at Wilmington so this probably worked out well for him. I think Johnny was going to be running Wilmington's Aspire program, though...wonder if he will still be doing that or if Viktor is taking it over.

Curious to know if anyone knows any further details on the silent switcharoo!

 

[skylark]

Well, I was wrong about the location, surprised about Wilmington, but I am so happy for Johnny. Can't wait to see how his academy gets going!

And ultimately, you weren't wrong! I just read your post from p. 3 today and found your comments about the availability of rink ice, etc. interesting. Also I just read the interview of Megan and learned that she'd been coaching from the Aston rink.

 

[sk9tingfan]

I think I spied Johnny as a judge on Chip and Johanna Gaines new TV series, "Roller Jam". And I was right.

Chip and Joanna Gaines Set Fall Premiere for 3 New Reality Series, Including Hamster Competition Show

Chip and Joanna Gaines have set a fall premiere date for three new reality competition series: "Roller Jam," "Second Chance Stage," and "Human vs. Hamster."

people.com

 

[Sylvia]

I think I spied Johnny as a judge on Chip and Johanna Gaines new TV series, "Roller Jam". And I was right.

I've re-posted your info in OTBT : https://www.fsuniverse.net/forum/th...streaming-tv-shows.112013/page-2#post-6655383

Looks like AJ Reiss (former U.S. pair skater now coaching) is also involved with the Academy now: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAYZ8cpRZQb/