Skater Johnny Weir says he plans to reinvent himself

By Philip Hersh

July 8, 2010 10:41 AM PT

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Johnny Weir’s off-ice charisma has overshadowed his competitive skating for several seasons. Now, the three-time U.S. champion has decided to step back and assess himself, for what may be a comeback in a different guise. U.S. Figure Skating announced Thursday morning that Weir will take next season off from competition in an attempt, as Weir put it, “to reinvent myself as an athlete and artist. I say this with the hope of returning as a competitor for the 2011-12 season.’’

-- Philip Hersh in Chicago

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Philip Hersh

Philip Hersh, the former Olympic specialist for Tribune Co., covered 17 Olympics and reported from some 50 countries in 30 years with the Chicago Tribune. He likes to use sport as a way to write about the culture of a country or an athlete. Hersh graduated from Yale with a Bachelor of Arts in French literature. His passions include chamber music, road cycling (takes no PEDs except Advil) and Dr. Siri mysteries.