johnny weir talks yuri!!! on ice
An Interview with Johnny Weir: His Thoughts on ‘Yuri on Ice’ https://t.co/RacVp9aQyO pic.twitter.com/8h7tWRFQWX
- TheGeekiary (@TheGeekiary) December 16, 2016
+ Yuri on Ice has become the unexpected smash hit online; a sports anime that delves into the high-pressure world of professional figure skating, offers multifaceted characters with believable motivations and flaws, and delicately wove throughout the first season a respectfully handled, beautifully portrayed LGBT love story and it’s been a surprise hit among professional figure skaters as well.
Director Sayo Yamamoto credited you for capturing their interest in figure skating with your performance of Poker Face, and you’ve clearly been an inspiration to the story itself. How did it feel seeing the show pay tribute to you by having Victor at the top of the podium in a version of a costume you’d designed for the 2006 Olympics, and the flower crown you sported at the 2010 Olympics?
[...] I am very honored that the production team has taken some inspiration not just from me, but from the skating world. There are so many details that pop up that wouldn’t mean anything to a casual skating fan, but to us as skaters who actually lived it, you can see so much respect for our world and what we do through the animations and story lines. Even down to the way certain hotels look. It’s very special.
You stated on Twitter that things would have been different for you as a 20-something skater, with a show like Yuri on Ice on the air. Now we’re seeing current competitors and legends like yourself embrace the show. Do you think that the show’s LGBT themes and depiction of a world where queer athletes are celebrated for their abilities without bias could have an impact on the culture surrounding figure skating?
[...] I think all positive imagery of LGBT themes in sport are good. Unfortunately, the majority of people that rule the skating world are conservative and more business minded. I think many of them, while they may love and appreciate the art and the sport, are more interested in the business side of things or power trips. I don’t know if “Yuri on Ice” will be able to change the perception of gay athletes to a 60 year old businessman, but I am of the school of thought that every little bit helps.
When I was competing, despite being very gay, I wanted my skating to speak for itself and have it judged purely on merit not on the circus that is me. Being gay had as much to do with my performances as muscle cars or giraffes. I dedicated my life to my sport and wanted to be judged and appreciated for my performances alone. I like seeing that quality from Yuri-kun too.
+ You can catch Johnny on NBC Sports at the real Grand Prix Final on December 18, before tuning in for Yuri’s GPF during the finale on December 21.
sources: twitter / full interview