Skater Spotlight: Weir Primed for Torino

When Johnny Weir steps on the ice for his Olympic debut, he will be aiming for something that no American male has accomplished since 1988: winning Olympic gold.

On the strength of his third straight U.S. Championship, Johnny enters the Olympics with a lot of confidence and as one of the favorites to medal.

“It's very gratifying to win my third straight title,” said Weir. “I know there are guys always nipping at my heels, but it's nice to have my own ‘dynasty’ in skating history.”

At the 2006 U.S. Championships in St. Louis, Johnny not only secured his first berth on the U.S. Olympic team, but also became the first American man to win three consecutive national titles since 1988 Olympic champion Brian Boitano, who won four straight U.S. championships from 1985-88.

Johnny has worn Riedell Royals since he began skating at age 11 and credits his boots for making a big difference. “My skates mean everything. I started in Riedell and will finish in Riedell. If I hadn't stayed true and consistent with my equipment, I'd never be at this level.”

With all eyes on the charismatic Weir's Olympic debut on February 14th, you can bet that he will turn in one of his finest performances as he looks to join an elite group of U.S. Men's Olympic gold medalists that includes Dick Button, Scott Hamilton and Brian Boitano.

Riedell and Chill Factor wish Johnny and all Olympic competitors the best of luck in Torino!

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Nationals Newsmakers

On January 7-15, the very best American skaters gathered in St. Louis, MO for the 2006 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Riedell was well represented, as skaters at all levels competed and enjoyed success in Riedell skates.

SENIOR LEVEL: Johnny Weir won his third straight national title and secured a spot on the Olympic team. Parker Pennington (pictured at right) finished ninth.

JUNIOR LEVEL: Ice dancers Blake Rosenthal/Calvin Taylor placed eighth.

NOVICE LEVEL: Rhiana Brammeier took first, Blake Rosenthal second and Brittney Rizo third in ladies novice. In men’s novice, Eliot Halverson took first.

On January 9-15, the Canadian Championships were held in Ottawa, Ontario. A handful of Riedell skaters enjoyed success and grabbed an Olympic spot.

SENIOR LEVEL: Pairs skaters Valérie Marcoux/Craig Buntin won their second straight Canadian title. Jean Sébastien Fecteau and his partner finished third. Erin Scherrer finished seventh in the ladies competition.

JUNIOR LEVEL: Jean-Simon Légaré placed seventh.

Susanna Poykio took first in the 2006 Finnish National Championships. She has a great chance to finish in the top five in Torino.

Torino 2006

The Olympics are fast approaching so you’ll want to get your TiVo, DVR or perhaps an old-fashioned VCR ready to capture the upcoming events. Here’s the 2006 Olympics schedule of figure-skating events. All times are Eastern Standard Time.