Gay Men in US Figure Skating

I get that the US Media is trying to be "progressive" by being so positive and obsessed with Adam Rippon being the "first openly gay US athlete" at the Olympics, but they're acting like this also somehow makes what he's doing on the ice that much more impressive. However, there have been many incredible men in figure skating history who were gay who had AMAZING Olympic Moments. Adam is not doing anything *new* other than coming out BEFORE his career is over. He's doing what he feels he needs to do, and more power to him, but I feel it ignores some of the other fantastic athletes in this sport, and it's overshadowing other amazing athletes at these games (Mirai Nagasu, anyone?)

This is not a knock on Adam - he had an amazing skate last night (judging issues aside). I just can't help but go to youtube and watch some of the ones that came before Adam. They in many ways paved the way. Point being: without the ones that came before, Adam most likely could not have broken down that final barrier. I don't think we'd be seeing him stick his tongue out suggestively at the judges in an Olympic season without the likes of Boitano, Galindo (who did not make it to the Olympics, but certainly deserves credit), Goebel, Savoie, and of course Weir.

I'm not going to list all of them, and since the media is focused on him being the first US man, I'll just share a few of my favorite Olympic moments by known (out) gay men because I think they need a shout out.

Probably most notable is our 1988 Olympic Champion Brian Boitano. If you grew up with skating in the 90's you know who Brian is. Brian only came out in 2014, but I'm fairly certain most fans "knew". It just wasn't something we cared about. As Brian said in a recent interview it is a part of who he is, but it's only a part. He's also a figure skater, chef, etc. The incredibly private Boitano just did not feel the need to share it with the world - until the Olympics were in Russia and President Obama asked him to be a part of the delegation from the US. Brian Boitano's 1988 Olympic Winning Long Program is one of the most iconic programs in modern figure skating. Everything from the music and choreography, to the costume and the permed mullet thing he had going on. It's one of the first images I have whenever Boitano is mentioned.

Boitano would also represent the USA in 1994 and was the only gay skater in US Men's skating on any Olympic team in the 90s.

Team USA's made up for it lately though. In 2002, Timothy Goebel (who would not come out until he announced his engagement just a few years ago), was our "quad king" going into the Salt Lake City games. Like Boitano, Timothy kept his life very private, but unlike Boitano was considered one of the heartthrobs of the Winter Olympics that year (I admit to crushing hard for Timmy!). Goebel would win a bronze medal in those games, and continued through 2006 before retiring and heading full time into university (he majored in mathmatics, what a nerd).

Oh the frosted tip look most guys my age had when we were high school age. What were they thinking. And those curls! Again - leading the way for Adam Rippon who when he was around the same age embraced his crazy curly mop hair (until coach Nikolai Morosov made him use a hair straightener, so much irony there... look at the puns!).

2006 saw Johnny Weir and Matt Savoie represent the rainbow at the Olympics (though "closeted"). The two could not have been more different in style and personality. Savoie was seemingly shy, quiet, and smooth... Johnny Weir was... well.. chances are you know who Johnny Weir has always been. Savoie was robbed by the judges thanks to skaters exploiting loopholes in the [at the time] new judging system. Add to the fact that he was the third ranked US skater and wasn't really known for his consistency and the judges just didn't hold him in the same caliber, but he was and is well loved by fans world-wide. I definitely miss his skating.

I was fortunate enough to see him skate his programs and make the team at the US Nationals in 2006. The night of the exhibition after it was all over we must have been getting ready to head for the airport at the same time because we found ourselves at the hotel baggage hold together. I congratulated him on making the team, he seemed surprised I recognized him, but thanked me. Such a great skater.

Johnny had a rough season going into the Olympics, and then had a rough Olympics. Even though his LP wasn't his best showing, I chose it over The Swan because I couldn't stand the Swan, but Otonal is really the only program of his that I like. So you get it instead of anything better because I can.

Johnny would make the team again in 2010, though he was pretty much on his way out in most fans' minds by then. His main rival for over 4 years had been Evan Lysacek and while Johnny was struggling, Evan was becoming a World Champion and eventual Olympic Champion. Johnny was on the verge of being eclipsed by skaters like teammate Jeremy Abbott (who recently came out as well). Still, he put up a good showing, but it was clear that International Judges were done with his perceived attitude. He went on to commentate the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Games when NBC decided he was a better choice than Scott Hamilton.

Johnny got in trouble with animal rights groups leading up to the 2010 games because he dared to wear fur on his costumes. He gave in to pressure and removed the fur before the competition.

A little less controversial, his fellow teammate Jeremy Abbott also skated in Vancouver and did fairly well for himself, though it was the Evan and Plushenko show, Jeremy set himself up to be the leading man for the next Olympic Cycle with his showings in Canada.

Not many options for Olympic footage of Jeremy, probably due to how NBC plays ball, but his short was pretty decent, so we'll go with it.

2014 would see Jeremy lead the US Team, and he didn't have the BEST of times but they weren't really the worst either, and he did manage to help get the team the bronze medal in the first ever team event.

Jeremy was one of two skaters that made the US team that year. The other, Jason Brown, has not come out and confirmed his sexuality one way or the other. Many have speculated, but out of respect for his choice I won't count him among the number that I think he belongs to.

So that brings us to the present. Adam is the first one to actually come out (several years) before competing in the Olympics. Without the US Men that came before him (and this is only those who were in the Olympics in the last 30 years in Men's skating. There are men who skated Ice Dance and Pairs that were not listed...) Adam might not have been able to come out now and be his "true self". That's not to say that the other men were not true to themselves. None of them ever said that they weren't gay, they just never entertained the question. They all had their own styles, some more "flamboyant" than others. That's what's always been so great about this sport. Sure, the judges can favor one style over the other, but at the end of the day - the skater who does their job and pushes the sport wins.

And because I can and I feel that it would be wrong NOT to include him... Here's Rudy Galindo's magical Free Skate in 1996 when he won his US Title.

30 Days of [Figure] Skating: Day Twenty-One

Day 21: Team Johnny or Team Evan?

Team Evan, all the way. It's been that ways since 2005 when I finally "got" what others saw in Evan. Sadly most of those people lost interest in Mr. tall dark and wonderful when he decided to take the clinical approach to skating. I think we can thank Mr. Carroll for that, all of his skaters become one hit wonders. All they do is change their costume and music and call it good. Apparently MK can mask that better than Evan can because fewer people gripe about her than they do him.

As for the battle between Johnny and Evan, I'm so over it. Fan wars didn't hit the level of Kwaniacs vs the rest of the ladies fans, but between the fans buying into it and the boys doing the same it's become tired. Just when you think they've grown up, the media asks a question and they fire off again and it's just embarassing for the both of them. I get that Johnny's the better skater, and possibly more popular internationally - kudos to him. I'm tired of the wanna be diva persona, and the "I'm going to say I don't care what you think, but then b*tch about how everyone in authority hates me, so I'll thumb my nose at them to see their reaction, but it's all because they hate me." GET OVER YOURSELF! And Evan just needs to learn to ignore the brat.

Weir reinventing his skating, sits out competitive season.

US Figure Skater, Johnny Weir withdrew today from the 2010-2011 competitive season. In a press release put out by Weir with the USFSA and Figure Skaters Online, Weir stated that he was currently working on reinventing himself as a skater and plans to come back after a year or retooling.

"I have decided that I need a year to rest and reinvent myself as an athlete and artist," Weir's statement read. "I say this with the hope of returning as a competitor for the 2011-12 season."



How hard he is actually working on that while making as many public appearances nation wide, one has to wonder, and many fans are arguing that we've seen the last of Weir on the competitive front.

Weir dominated US Men's figure skating from 2004-2006. Hitting a rough patch starting at the 2006 Olympic games, Weir suffered a devastating loss in 2007 at the US National Championships when he faltered and failed to make the World team. It's been a rocky road since then, but he seemed to have turned a corner in the last couple of seasons. Weir fought a good battle at the 2010 US National Championships to win the third spot on the Olympic team. Weir finished sixth in the games and many argued he should have been higher.

Weir withdrew from Worlds feeling he was not up to par to compete, stating that he would work hard and come back strong next season. Since Worlds he has flitted the world enjoying the glitz and glam of his new found fame.

So much for the Truce.

They're at it again. Just when we thought the boys had become men and faced their differences and gotten over that hurdle and were basically ignoring each other... the media shows up, asks for a few soundbites, and they're back at it again.

That's right Johnny Weir and Evan Lysacek's in the press rivalry is back in action. Weir started it by answering a few questions about the Olympic Champion in several articles in the last month. It's actually pretty shocking that he's reverted back to the needless jabs after he seemed to praise Evan - however underhandedly - during the whirlwind of drama surrounding Lysacek's controversial win. Weir didn't side with either Lysacek or Plushenko in that debate, but he didn't dispute the outcome either.

It's no secret that Johnny Weir is miffed over, what he considers, a snub SOI gave him by not adding him to the cast line up. I have my own feelings on that one - SOI traditionally has a certain number of male performers to female. SOI also likes skaters who 'toe the line' when it comes to PR moments. SOI likes skaters to get along. SOI wanted an Olympic Champion. Evan gets the bill, Johnny can't play nice so he stays home. - but that's beside the point. Johnny has started the debate on if SOI is 'homophobic'/'bigotted' because of his 'appeared sexuality'. Well, Johnny, it's only 'appeared' to those of us not in the 'inner circle', but if you don't want people to assume you are one way, maybe you shouldn't hit every stereotype in the book.

Johnny's jabs also extended to particular skaters, not just the tour management. Scott Hamilton and Evan Lysacek have - apparently - fallen into his sights and there's no stopping his blasting them.

Evan followed suit over the last week and blasted back at Johnny saying his skating wasn't up to par. He has since retracted his earlier quotes, but the damage is done, and I'm sure Johnny is sitting at home in his bubble bath with his boy toy smirking away. That Evan would allow the media and Johnny to get under his skin, is not overly suprising, but it is disheartening. Though I can't totally BLAME him for speaking out, at the same time he needs to stick with facts and not just try to insult his insulter. It doesn't work that way especially when we all know (including, I'm sure, Evan) that Johnny's SKATING or even his PROGRAMS are not what keeps him from SOI.


I'm disappointed in the boys this week. I'm not surprised at Johnny showing his true colors once again, but I'm still bummed and annoyed. so much for maturity.

Weir withdraws from Figure Skating World Championships

US figure skater Johnny Weir announced today that he would not be attending the World Figure Skating Championships later this month. Weir finished sixth in Vancouver during the Winter Olympic Games. Since then Weir, like teammate and Olympic Champion Evan Lysacek, has made the rounds in Hollywood enjoying the stardom that comes to many Olympians returning home from the Games.

Weir stated that he will be training through Worlds and hopes to work out the kinks in his wrong technique so that he may become a top contender and continue to win medals for the US next season. How one is going to do that while attending all of the fun hollywood parties, one can only wonder. However, after two Olympic Games and multiple national and world championships Weir deserves a little time off. Though, he seems to take quite a bit of time off to play around in the glitz and glam every season.

The announcement is good news for fans of other skaters, with Lysacek pulling out of Worlds to take full advantage of his new found fame by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars, as it stands the unofficial World Team for the Men's event will be Reigning US Champion Jeremey Abbott, Ryan Bradley (fourth at the last US Nationals), and Adam Rippon (said to be the US' next big star). So far the USFSA has only confirmed Rippon's addition to the team.

Gotta wonder if we'll see three spots on the world team slip through our fingers when the men take the ice in Torino.

Photo (c) Getty Images c/o DayLife.com.

Men's event delivers in a big way

Emotions were high at the end of the Men's Short Program Tuesday night. Most of the top men delivered outstanding performances, making the event the most nailbiting since the "Battle of the Brians" in 1988.

Evgeni Plushenko is, not surprisingly, the leader after the short program. As the tenth skater, to have the score stand up through an evening where each skate seemed to build off the last, is a feat in and of itself. The reigning Olympic champion seems well poised to take a second gold - an accomplishment that only one other man has ever done, American Dick Button - but he can't leave anything out Thursday...

...Because American Evan Lysacek is only .55 points behind him, and Japanese Daisuke Takahashi is only .05 points behind that. It will come down to strategy, cleanliness, and heart tomorrow night and every single man has what it takes. History will be made one way or the other, and it seems this event is one people will talk about and remember for some time.

The night was not all possitive, however. Favorites to do well, France's Brian Joubert and America's Jeremy Abbott both had disasterous shorts. Falls, popped jumps, disappointment. Their body language suggested utter devastation before the end of their programs, and most everyone in the arena and watching at home felt their grief.

What's on the skaters' agenda for tomorrow? One can only speculate, Plushenko has made it clear he feels a skater without a quad does not deserve gold - and it seems to be suggested a place on the podium - so expect to see him keep true to his word and attempt at least one quad - and one could be certain he'll go for more than that.

Evan Lysacek stated days before the event that he would not be attempting a quadruple jump in Vancouver - citing injury and his crash landing at nationals for reasons - but did Plushenko's comments rile him enough to change his mind?

Johnny Weir is going to have to pull out all the stops and go for broke to make the podium - but it is doable. So long, of course, as those ahead of him make mistakes or play it safe.

It's competitions like these that make you wish a podium could hold more than three.

Photo (c) Reuters c/o DayLife.com

Bring on the Men!

With the Pairs Long Program tonight, and the Men's short program tomorrow, there's no good time to do a pre game post (some of us have jobs outside of blogging for the games, unfortunately). Not that anyone but me reads these things, but at least someone is having fun.

Tomorrow night is going to showcase the world's finest the only way the Games can. No event is going to be more jam packed with drama and athletics. There's no real favorite three to podium, but there are some big names that are recognizable, and all men are hungry to win.

The only pretty much shoo-in for the Gold is Evgeni Plushenko. He's come back to competitive skating just this season for this event. He's definitely gotten the judges' blessing here in Vancouver. All he needs to do is stand up and he'll nab gold. Granted, anything can happen, but as we saw in Torino, where others have to be well-rounded athletes, all Plushenko has to do is show up and jump. Sadly it looks like that's what will happen here as well.

World Champion Evan Lysacek is the favorite as far as US media is concerned, mainly because he is ranked first in the World. Evan is a fierce competitor who knows what it takes to win. While he's not the reigning US Champion, he is the highest ranking American internationally in Vancouver. Evan was fourth in Torino, coming back from a disappointing Short Program to have an incredibly Long program and some said he should have been higher (in third) at teh end of the night. Evan has decided not to go for the quad in this competition after he failed to complete it in Spokane last month, but anything can happen and he can't be counted out.

Stephane Lambiel is another athlete who's come out of retirement, so to speak, for another chance at the Olympic Games. The "Flying Zebra" landed on the podium in second place four years ago, but injuries have plagued Stephane, and it's been a true battle for him to get back in form for Vancouver. No one spins like this guy, though, and his smile is infectious. He's definitely got the lady's vote, but he's going to have to give everything - including his promised three quads - to have a chance, especially without a triple Axel.

Ladies man, Brian Joubert, is hungry for the title. Brian has been in this game a long time -longer than any of the US men- and wants to prove himself in Vancouver. He's come close so many times, finally winning a world title in 2007, but has not delivered the way he wanted to. Brian is critisized by many to be a "copycat" type skater - for many years he was dubbed the mini-Yagudin for his style of skating - who lacks musicality or artistry. Still, the man can jump. Hopefully he'll keep his ego in check and not want it so badly he misses the mark.

Speaking of egos, Canada's Patrick Chan is their best hope for a medal in the men's event... and he knows it. Patrick has been plagued by injury and foot in mouth syndrome this season. When he's not ranting on Joubert's lack of artistry, he's comparing himself to Plushenko in age and ability. The problem for Chan is now that he's let his mouth run he's going to have to nail everything and then some to prove himself right. That hasn't happened so far this season. Still, if the pairs short programs are any indication, Patrick will most likely have help to make sure he's in medal contention. While he's good on transitions, he's going to have to watch each landing to be in contention.

Also a man of transitions - and a quad AND a triple axel - is USA's Jermey Abbott. Abbott defended his national title in January and goes into the games as the two time US National Champion. The big question is - will Jeremy ride that high to a podium placement, or will it be a repeat of last year where he peaked at nationals and it's all downhill from here on out. He's definitely the most all around skater the US has, if he can keep it together when it counts the greatest.

The US team is strong, as Johnny Weir could also find himself with a shot at the podium. Johnny's practices have been pretty fantastic judging by all of the reports, and he's a new Johnny from four years ago. He's not trying to thumb his nose at the USFSA and making a name for himself, this year he seems to be playing nice and actually wearing the team colors. His practices are his statement that he's in it to win, and who knows, he could finally shake those demons. But will he also shake the Friends of Animals and PETA crowd? After the bad press he got for his nationals costume with the fox fur on the side, Johnny scrapped that costume and went back to his original costume for the games. Still, he's reportedly continuing to get threats which have "forced" him to live in the Olympic Village instead of a hotel. Can Johnny ever just be a skater and not someone surrounded by controversy?

Tomorrow night is going to be AWESOME.

Photos (c) Getty Images and Associated Press c/o DayLife.com

Change in Plans

I was going to post my final thoughts on Nationals tonight, but have been side tracked thanks to Aaron's blog, "Axels, Loops, and Spins" report on Johnny Weir's latest turn in the media.

This time it's not about what he's said, or what team he supports other than the USA... or even his sexuality. Nope, it's what he's wearing.

In 2006 he got flack for wearing a CCCP jacket. This year, it's fur.

That's right; earthquakes in Haiti, children starving world wide, shoot the fable of global warming all seem to be on most people's top priorities...

but not for those oh so wonderful "Friends of Animals" let the humans starve and suffer, it's the animals that we need to worry about.

Let me preface by saying I am not a sadist who enjoys pulling wings off of butterflies just to see what happens. I appreciate all of God's creation, and do believe they have a purpose on this earth other than for humans to abuse. I don't, however, believe they are sacred to the point of worshipping them or not using them for food and for clothing purposes.

I am a hunter, a fisher, and I love watching the Iditarod. I believe some animals are bred for working, some are bred for food, and some are just around to be pretty. This, in part, comes from my upbringing in Alaska. While I lived in a main town in South Central Alaska, we still lived off the land. Hate to break it to the "bunny hugger" community, but being Vegan in Alaska is five million times harder than anywhere in mainstream America. We can't grow a lot of what we'd need to have a healthy diet, and veggies and fruits do NOT come cheap up here in ANY season. It's bad enough in the big communities, try living out in Rural (or Remote) Alaska where an apple is considered a delacacy most times of the year. We have to live off the land if we're going to survive... when times are hard we can't just go to the supermarket.


Johnny case, you say, is different. It's in the name of fashion. I would agree in that I don't believe in hunting animals just for sport. But if it serves a purpose it can be argued that it's right. No, I know, you say it can't, but it wound't be an argument if it were one sided, now, would it.

Johnny wears fur, I'd argue it's weird for other reasons (mainly his gender plays a part) but it works for the costume he's using. Where do we get off dictating what he wears. Seems to me if we can't tell a person how to live their life sexually, or what job to have, or how many kids to have.... what we wear shouldn't be a freedom that is taken away either. It's a minute problem in a world filled with many more.


And, no, this is not a rant from a "Johnny's Angel" or general fan of the man. I honestly can't say I like the guy. I prefer a different sort of skater. That's just me. But, of all the problems one could have with him, seriously? A tuft of fur is what churns your stomach.

Well, whatever floats your boat.

No Surprise For Men's Olympic Team

Yesterday afternoon was one heck of a men's event. Yes, there were some falls, yes there were some tears. Mainly from Ryan Bradley's fans as we realized his dreams of the Olympics will probably never be realized.

The little things really started adding up for all of the men in Spokane Sunday afternoon. Jeremy Abbot was the sole skater who rose to the occasion and nailed everything. He rightly deserved his placement and his score. It was pretty inspired. The question this blogger has is: will this be a repeat of last season? Will Nationals be his shining moment and then the rest is downhill? We'll see next month.

The biggest shock, possibly, was Evan Lysacek actually going for the quad. To be honest, no one was going to touch Jeremy with the long program he had, but it was still a risky move on Evan's part. He fell, not completing the rotation. Interestingly enough this US Nationals has had the most fair judging that skating's seen in a very long while - and I think EVER in the history of a National Championship (in any country!).

For Sandra Besic to come out and say that Evan deserved the title (this was prior to Jeremy taking the ice) based on the "magic of the program" was laughable. Evan made simple, basic, mistakes in both the Short and Long program; he practically gave the title away.

This should not concern those who believe Evan to be the best shot at a medal. He typically does not skate lights out at nationals - Spokane 2007 being the major exception since Evan became one of the Elite - and seems to save it for Worlds. With the Olympics being the main prize and goal, it should not come as a surprise that he was merely attempting to tick off the elements. This has worked in the past for Evan - he is World Champion the same year he barely made the World Team - so why think it won't continue to work.

Johnny Weir was the spoiler. No one knew WHICH Weir would show up. The confident ready to win avante garde skater with nothing to lose, or the scared to death he's going to fail skater who just hopes he stands upright for four-plus minutes. It seems that both came to the table. Johnny was on fire in the Short Program, he was sassy and completely his own skater. And it worked. He nearly tied Evan, and had their skating orders been reversed, their scores/placements might have been as well. But, the long program brought out the ball of nerves. It was incredibly evident that the pressure was beinging to take its toll on Johnny. The USFSA made it clear last season that they weren't going to give out favors for him, and he knew it going into the Long Program.

The one downer was - there aren't four spots on the Men's team. Ryan Bradley made costly errors in the Short Program only to completely rebound in his Long Program with two quads and more personality than the rest of the top skaters COMBINED. Such is the trademark of Ryan Bradley, and if SOI doesn't sign him up they'll make the biggest mistake - and they can't afford that right now.

So half of the US Figure Skating Team for Vancouver has been decided.
Pairs are Caydee Denney & Jeremy Barrett, and Amanda Evora & Mark Ladwig
Men are Jeremy Abbott, Evan Lysacek, and Johnny Weir.

Can't wait for the rest of the events, it's a great year for USFigure Skating!

Photos (c) Getty Images & The Associated Press c/o DayLife.com

Caption This!

Gotta love awkward moments created by camera...
Photo (c) Getty Images c/o DayLife.com