[Once Weir began describing his free skate, though, the energy in his voice rose sharply. Instead of performing to the romantic music he usually favors, the two-time U.S. champion will show off a modern twist in tonight's Campbell's International Figure Skating Classic.] It's a little edgier program, and the music is piano with a techno background, ... It's special because it's different. |
A little more speed, a little more passion. I was very tired at the end, tripping over myself in the straight-line footwork. |
Being a third time national champion is really an awesome feat. I am really, really proud that I could win again, but the program today definitely wasn't up to par with my previous two wins. There was a lot that I could have done better. I am very proud that I got through it as well as I did, even if it wasn't the best that I could do. |
Don't bring a prop. It's almost like they were afraid nobody would know who they are. |
Every event, every exhibition, every practice session, I'm doing something different -- things that not everyone is going to like, ... But they've come to respect what I'm trying to bring to the table. |
Figure skating is an amazing ride. It takes you from feeling like the lowest scum in the pond, like two hours ago. And now I feel like a flower growing out of the pond. |
For today, it was just hell getting on the ice. |
Having three first-time Olympians is a fresh slate and a new start. I think each of us signifies something different than the last Olympic team. We're all very different people and skaters and characters. |
He gave me a hug when I saw him the first time here, and I asked how his wife was doing. |
He's the men's superstar for this year. ... I don't think anyone's going to beat him for this Olympics. |
He's very proud of us. He got kids who are polar opposites of what he was. |
His name is Camille - two 'l's. I think he's my evil side. When I skate badly, I blame it on my glove. |
His was like a vodka shot and a snort of coke kind of thing. Uh, sorry for all those drug references. |
I am very, very, very excited with how today went. With the way practice is going I thought I could skate well but not as well as I did. To score over 80 points is my new personal best. I am just very elated right now. |
I can sit up here and say I don't get it. There needs to be time to learn it. I think it was a little silly going into the Olympic Games and changing the system so close to that event. |