Ice magic conquers Oz
Johnny Weir has arrived in Australia to take part in performances of Harbour Town Christmas on Ice at Dockland’s Ice House in Melbourne.
The US figure skating champion and Winter Olympian chatted to the Star Observer after his dress rehearsal today and spoke of his whirlwind visit to Australia and future plans to return.
Wearing a black and gold sequin number that rested somewhere between Adam Lambert and the upcoming Tron: Legacy, Weir said he had very little time to explore on this trip Down Under before returning home to complete filming on his US television show, Be Good Johnny Weir.
“I got in yesterday, woke up at 6am this morning and did a whole lot of media, then – with no warm up – did the dress rehearsal. But the hotel I’m staying at has Gordan Ramsay’s restaurant downstairs, so that’s nice,” Weir said, referring to his accommodation at the Crown Metropol.
Despite his gruelling schedule, the 26-year-old managed to squeeze in a visit to Triple M studios this morning to catch up with broadcaster Eddie McGuire.
The two became friends despite the controversy surrounding McGuire’s comments about Weir’s wardrobe and performance style during the Winter Olympic broadcast on Channel Nine this year.
“I saw him this morning and he’s coming to the show tonight, but we haven’t had a chance to properly hang out,” Weir said.
The invite extended to Weir to help McGuire style his guest room has also not been taken up on this visit.
“I’ll go when it’s renovated, I’m going to try and come down when it’s Australian Fashion Week,” he said.
Weir said he enjoys coming to Australia – this being his second visit – and that he feels very much at home.
“I’m so well taken care of after a long journey,” he said.
“Also, I feel Australia is so mystical to Americans just because it is so far away, and you have kangaroos and koalas and everything.”
While his festive Christmas performance and television show have taken up much of his time this year, Weir said that he may soon return to competition after this lengthy break.
“I’ve taken one year off and I’m not competing. I think for next season I’ll be prepared, I just needed a year to gather myself , think about my future and my life, because at 26 I’m already old for figure skating.
“I still have a very competitive fire, so if I can donate all my time and my efforts to skating then I’ll compete again. If not, I’ll find a new project and a new hobby, but for now figure skating is very special.”
One thing the skater will be taking back with him from this trip is plenty more Australian fashion pieces.
“I love Lime Drop, and Dizingof I’m a huge fan of; I’m taking two of their pieces home with me. But I’m very excited by Australian fashion, it’s on the verge of something; it’s very Japanese,” he said.
info: Harbour Town Christmas on Ice runs from December 2-4 at Dockland’s. Bookings: www.icehouse.com.au
AuntlnAZ, last time I check here in AUS, it is powerful to take a negative descriptive word and take ownership of it. Poof, dyke and even the word Wog has been used as negative words towards people, but once we take ownership these words become ours…
AustinAZ sounds like a typical American – trying to force their way of thinking on the rest of the world.
Perhaps a little research on the site you are posting on beforehand and its country of origin might save you some angst.
No one got nasty about it, I said I didn’t like the ‘Ice Queen’ reference and I stand by that statement. It doesn’t seem to have been meant or said in a negative way in this case, but in the USA and some places the term can be used to insult a gay man. It doesn’t matter matter whether he is gay, or how he dresses, he is a man, and some do use the term ‘queen’ to suggest a gay male wanting to be a woman; something that Johnny WEir has no interest in.
Mmm and sheesh! Get over QUEENS… he is famous for skating on ICE and well we all know he is gay, and his style of dress would surely in a nice way describe him a being a Queen. And last time I check Queen was a pretty fine title to have! P.C gone over board…what next don’t call a ‘Bear” a bear… or a leather queen a Leather Queen…..
*rolls eyes* Some times, political correctness is taken too far and really misses the point. I loved the “Ice Queen” reference and did think it was anything but offensive.
That said, I like this article and I am glad that Johnny seems to take
Australia by storm.
That’s the one, Ms Kitten.
Adam Lambert/Tron? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAU8hQovliw
Love the article, though a little surprised you got a negative reaction to the “Ice Queen” title. Speaking as one of Johnny’s most rabid Twitter-Kittens, some in his fandom can be a touch sensitive about these things but I think its for love of Johnny and not wanting to see him hurt or offended. Some negative press in the past also I think leads to some defensiveness. BUT, I’m sure he would not approve of anyone getting nasty over it so it’s a shame if that’s what happened.
Thanks for the interview, enjoyed it! Love love Johnny Weir, my all time favorite skater! He is incredible!
Thanks for this. Enjoyed your tweeting after the interview too. Hope you get to talk again at Australian Fashion Week.
Thanks for interviewing Johnny, love him! I have no idea what he was wearing, but enjoy your “Lambert and Tron:Legacy” reference. No photo? :)
I liked “Ice Queen” better. He DID receive a gay visibility award. PLEASE!
“Ice Queen”? Really? That couldn’t possibly be offensive, could it?
It’s a decent interview, but I really don’t like the reference to Johnny Weir as an ‘Ice Queen’.
Thank You for interviewing! And FYI – video on YouTube – First visit in 2001 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bdckuwniDE