Michael Weiss - the official site

Mother's Day:

Mike's mom, Margie, talks about being the mother of a skating star and a nice young man.

A few days of rest and relaxation at Daytona Beach, Fla., before the long day and night practices for the Champions On Ice tour were welcomed with days spent at the beach and sightseeing with the family.

The first week of the Champions On Ice tour has been performed before near capacity venues in Florida and Atlanta.

"The shows are going great," Michael said. "We played to about a 95 percent full arena in Orlando and Atlanta was great!"

Michael performs to a medley of Rolling Stones music and his athletic, high-energy performance is quite entertaining to the crowd. Some of the spectators are bewildered by Michael’s moves with his new blades that allow him to do spread eagles on his heels.

"A lot of people who know skating and the shape of the blades think it is really cool. They can notice the difference in the blade and their reaction can also be seen on their faces," said Michael. The rest of the audience almost can be seen wondering "how did he do that?"

With the tour only one week old, Michael’s program is set. There had been some adjustments made the first several shows. "I feel comfortable with the program and enjoy skating it."

While in Orlando Michael and Lisa took time to take Annie Mae and Christopher to Disney World. Annie-Mae got to meet Cinderella and have pictures taken of her favorite storybook character.

"The hotel in Orlando was amazing," Michael said of the Grand Cypress. "It had pools, waterfalls and waterslides. It was beautiful and fun for the family."

While on Tour Michael stays busy with professional photography sessions of the cast, interviews and practice. Michael and Lisa have worked out a schedule for them to maximize quality time for the family to be together at least part of the tour with their parents helping to keep a close eye on Annie-Mae and Christopher.

After performances the skaters are often asked to sign autographs while boarding buses back to their hotel or their next destination. Annie-Mae, only 3-1/2 years old, helps Michael by going down the reception line asking guests who wants a picture of her daddy. Annie-Mae is learning to write and when Michael is asked for his autograph, it’s a pretty sure thing that Annie-Mae will add hers.

And when Christopher, 2-1/2, accompanies Michael and Lisa on tour, his first venture is to find the Zamboni. "That’s all Christopher asks when we get to the arena is ‘Where is the Zamboni? Usually he asks to get up in the seat and he likes to toot the horn."

The Champions On Ice tour is recognized for its first-class treatment of its skaters, cast and crew. The hectic and demanding schedule requires the arena to be set up and the equipment to be taken down and shows to run like clockwork.

The end of the show which includes special effects must also be meticulously synchronized.

What the fans don’t get to see is skaters coaching and helping each other with new moves and elements. The practice sessions before the show are important to work out details of the programs and learn the dimensions of the arena ice.

Meals are provided at the arena and snacks and drinks are provided on transportation to the hotel, airport or next city.

"You are treated first class on the Tour," Michael said. "If you are not disciplined, it can be easy to gain weight. But so far I have done well staying away from the snacks."

Michael said there is time to play and a lot of it may be on the ice before or after practice.

Sometimes boys will be boys. Like the time Michael and two unnamed men skaters went sliding down almost the entire length of the ice!

Michael Weiss has begun a more than four-month journey throughout the United States with the John Hancock 2002 Olympic Champions On Ice Tour. Michael has been practicing with the other skaters in Daytona Beach, Fla., for the past week. The first show was in Daytona Beach April 3.

One of the most entertaining figures on tour, Michael won’t disappoint skating fans. He will be skating to a medley of tunes by Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones.

Michael also has some surprises planned that will create some special effects and moves never before performed. He won’t say how the technical aspects of the tricks are accomplished but promised to reveal the method near the end of the tour.

Michael just laughed and said, "It will surely be crowd pleasing. They will be wondering, how did he do that?"

As far as Michael’s costume he will just say wait until you see it. "The first (costume) was way out there," Michael said. "This is really different from anything I’ve worn before, and I think the audience will really like it."

The Champions On Ice tour gives Michael an opportunity to have fun with the audience. He’s an entertainer at heart.

"I like (the COI) because you can be more entertaining and try different tricks. There are only so many different things you can do so you’re always trying to find ways to be inventive and at the same time entertaining," Michael said.

Michael said it’s fun on tour, but there are long days at rehearsals.

"The special group numbers are being choreographed while everybody is there," Michael said. "You wait for your part, which is probably 5-10 steps, and then after that you wait until the others are called. It’s not hard work but it is an exhausting day and your feet get sore. It’s about 10 hours of standing in your skates."

The cast begins practice about 10 a.m. and breaks for a half-hour lunch usually at the practice arena. They work for five more hours, take an hour for dinner, then come back for another four to five hours until late at night.

Michael has T-shirts remaining that were designed to commemorate his competing at the Salt Lake City Olympics. Go to Michael’s Store for the price and address to purchase the T-shirts. Plan on purchasing them in advance so you can wear them or bring them to Michael’s performances while on the Champions On Ice tour.

Michael Weiss and the men’s team defeated the women at the Hershey’s Kisses Figure Skating Challenge Tuesday night in New Haven, Conn.

Photo by J. Barry Mittan

Michael scored 57.9 points for the men’s team. An ice dance team was on the men’s team and a pairs team on the women’s.

The event is scheduled to be televised May 12 from 4-6 p.m. on ABC.

The others on the men’s team and their scores were: Todd Eldredge 59.0; Timothy Goebel 58.3; Naomi Lang and Peter Tchernyshev 58.0; Matt Savoie 57.7 and Johnny Weir 56.4.

The women’s team scores were: Kyoko Ina and Jason Zimmerman at 58.9; Michelle Kwan 58.8, Sarah Hughes 58.7, Sash Cohen 57.8;Jenny Kirk 55.6; Angela Nikodinov 55.5.

Michael featured In SKATING Magazine

The USFSA’s Skating Magazine is featuring Michael on its U.S. Figure Skating Online called "Getting to Know You."

Weiss, the U.S. bronze medalist is featured with him holding his daughter Annie Mae.

White House visit

The 2002 United States Olympic and Paralympic Teams, which competed in the Salt Lake City Winter Games, visited the White House April 21-23. The athletes participated in a variety of functions, highlighted by the traditional White House visit to meet President George W. Bush.

The event will be televised May 18 on NBC from 3:30-4:30 p.m.

The 2002 U.S. Olympic Team

April 9, 2002

Michael's first week on COI
Tour begins with a bang!

Sun, fun, family, ice and an endorsement of a revolutionary blade.

Photo by J. Barry Mittan

It’s going to be tough for Michael Weiss to beat the first week on the John Hancock Champions On Ice 2002 Olympic Tour.

On Monday Michael received confirmation that the revolutionary "Freedom Blade" will be manufactured and sold with Michael endorsing the product.

Michael is already wearing the blade during his performance on tour and it is receiving rave reviews from fans as well as from skaters wanting to use it.

Michael will present skaters from all levels and ages an opportunity to get the blade through his Web site and the manufacturers. The date will soon be announced on Michael’s Web site.

To see which city Michael will perform near you, go to www.championsonice.com.

Mike receives congratulatory letters from U.S. Senators. Click here

Read about Michael at CNN Sports Illustrated.com

A successful young artist sketches Michael. Very interesting. Take a look.

Michael finishes 6th at Worlds in strong field

By MICHAEL R. THOMAS

Michael Weiss finished sixth at the World Championship Thursday in Nagano, Japan.

Michael had started the free skate in fifth place but fell just one spot back in an exciting final group of skaters. He had earned bronze medals at two previous World Championships.

Michael will now head home and begin practicing his new show number for Champions On Ice.

Mike skates awesome short program at Worlds

March 19, 2002

Michael Weiss is in fifth place at the World Championships after the short program performed Tuesday night at Nagano, Japan and is in strong position to win his third medal at the World Championships.

When Michael cleanly landed a quad lutz jump during practice at Worlds, the crowd went wild.

He won bronze back to back in 1999 and 2000 and had to sit out due to injuries throughout the year.

"Lisa said I finally did her short program justice," Michael said of his wife’s choreography. "I could have just as well been in second I skated so well."

Michael landed almost all his elements including the quad toe-triple toe, where he barely two-footed the landing. One judge awarded him a 5.8 for technical merit and 5.9 for presentation and placed him second.

"It was absolutely an amazing group of skaters in the final group," Michael said. "Takeshi (Honda) started it off with a great skate and the rest of the group followed with a great performance. Everybody didn’t miss a thing. It was the most exciting short program I have ever participated in."

Michael, wearing a Xerox hat during the TV interviews after his skate, was excited with his performance. "The thing that is so cool is that I am skating better and better with each program."

Michael, who was second in his qualifying group, will try his quad lutz in the free skate Thursday. "When I came here I landed it in practice and then did it clean on one foot in the qualifying program but just fell. I figure I am in perfect position to go for history. I learned that after missing my quad lutz I can still get up and skate a clean program.

No skater has ever landed a quad lutz in competition. Michael has been practicing it the past several weeks.

The Worlds mandates skaters perform their long program in qualifying.

With the men’s short one day later Michael planned on getting a quiet late dinner and then take most of Wednesday to rest for Thursday’s free skate.

"I have one late practice Wednesday and the rest of the day will be to relax," Michael said.

And to make a good day better, Michael drew the next to last position to perform his free skate Thursday.

Alexei Yagudin won the short program with countryman Alexander Abt second and Timothy Goebel third.

Mike in position to win 3rd World medal

March 18, 2002

Michael Weiss, two-time bronze medalist at the World Championships, finished second in his qualifying group at the World Championships at Nagano, Japan Monday.

Michael just missed the quad lutz he had been practicing for the past few weeks. His quad toe was cleanly landed.

Michael had a solid performance and is in position to earn his third world medal in the past four years. He earned bronze in 1999 and 2000 but did not compete because of injury in 2001.

Michael performed his freestyle program to a selection of music to Puccini operas. Michael was among 19 skaters in the afternoon qualifying session.

The technical marks for Michael ranged from 5.4-5.7 and his presentation marks went from 5.5-5.9.

The men’s short program is scheduled Tuesday and the free style isThursday.

Mike a crowd-pleaser in Japan

By Michael R. Thomas

Michael Weiss is in Nagano, Japan competing in the World Championships this week but he’s already become the crowd-pleaser.

Michael cleanly landed the quad lutz during practice Sunday morning and sent the spectators into a cheering frenzy. No skater has landed the jump cleanly in a competition.

But Michael is so confident he has added the jump to his qualifying program. Qualifying skaters will advance and perform their short program on Tuesday and the free skate on Thursday.

It is Michael’s last competition of the season.

“It was really cool,” said Michael excitedly after landing the jump in practice. “I had just attempted one and slightly two-footed the landing. Then when I tried it again and landed it cleanly it was just an awesome feeling. When I do things right it’s really easy.”

Michael had thought about adding the jump to his competitions in the past but injuries prevented the intensive practice it requires. Now, fully healthy and rested, Michael is attempting to make history.

The fans attending the practice cheered wildly when Michael landed the jump, which was caught on film.

“I’m definitely putting it in my qualifying program,” Michael said. “I had an awesome run through of my free skate. I feel pretty good.”

Michael said it is typical of skaters to feel a post-Olympic lull. But once they get back into training the next competition becomes the focus.

Michael has added a second quad to his free skate, replacing one of his two triple axels.

It will be Michael’s fifth World Championships. He earned bronze medals in 1999 and 2000.

Michael Weiss and his wife, Lisa, attended the movie premiere "I Am Sam" in connection with the Special Olympics Tuesday, January 22 at The Amphitheater -- The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.

Sean Penn, Michelle Pfeiffer, Dianne Weist, Dakota Fanning, Laura Dern and Richard Schiff also attend the premiere, and Michael had his photo taken with Pfeiffer. The Weisses also got to walk the "red carpet."

Miichael chats with Michelle Pfeiffer at the premiere of "I Am Sam."

One of Michael's favorite charities he participates in is the Special Olympics.

Thirty five years ago, Eunice Kennedy Shriver had a dream that people with mental retardation could be perceived and respected as everyone else. She sought in a way to reach their untapped potential with the creation of Special Olympics which invited them for the first time to participate in and benefit from athletic competition.

Today, more than one million athletes with mental retardation from 150 countries train and compete year round in 26 Olympic type summer and winter sports Training and competing in sports has fostered confidence and a sense of achievement among Special Olympic Athletes, equipping them to contribute to their communities in ways that were once thought impossible.

People who were once considered unable to participate in sports have succeeded in bench pressing 300 pounds and running marathons in less than three hours. Today, their dedication and involvement expands well beyond the finish line, as Special Olympic athletes have become coaches, referees, photographers, reporters, board members and spokespersons.

The spirit of Special Olympics has inspired millions of people to reach beyond disability and strive for personal excellence. Special Olympics is proud to celebrate this triumph of the human spirit with the cast and crew of "I Am Sam".

Michael Weiss joined Michelle Kwan, Matt Savoie and Dorothy Hamill to lead Team Hamill to victory in the Hershey's Figure Skating Challenge Friday night in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Each competitor performed an artistic free skate, with Team Hamill finishing with 235.3 points.

Team Galindo -- with Rudy Galindo, Sarah Hughes, Sasha Cohen and Tim Goebel -- was second with 233.7 points.

Team Kerrigan -- Nancy Kerrigan, Todd Eldredge, Angela Nikodinov and Jennifer Kirk-finished third at 231.5.

Michael has been named among the 10 most beautiful people in figure skating./Photo by Rebecca Patrick

International Figure Skating magazine has named Michael one of its 10 Most Beautiful Figure Skaters. IFS has a pictures of Michael and a story in its latest edition. "I think it’s pretty cool," Michael said. Several of the skaters on the list are competing at Skate America.

"We were joking coming back from the team dinner. Kyoko Ina and John Zimmerman are also on the list. We were on the bus together and the talk in the van was ‘only the most beautiful people’ could ride in this van," Michael laughed.

Enjoy scenes from the Winter Olympics

Skating magazine readers appreciated Michael's perseverance in 2000, awarding him the Readers' Choice Award in a close decision over Michelle Kwan, who finished second in the voting. The Chicago Jazz synchronized skating team finished third. Weiss is the first male skater to win the award since Todd Eldredge in 1995.

This is the 12th year Skating has awarded the Readers Choice accolade to a worthy skater. Kwan has won the award a record four times and she is the only double winner of the trophy. In 12 years, only four male skaters have won the award -- all the others have been won by ladies. Readers of Skating magazine, the official publication of the U.S. Figure Skating Association, can vote for any eligible skater, pair or synchronized skating team, based on accomplishments of the past season.

Michael Weiss joined Michelle Kwan, Matt Savoie and Dorothy Hamill to lead Team Hamill to victory in the Hershey's Figure Skating Challenge Friday night in Auburn Hills, Mich.

Each competitor performed an artistic free skate, with Team Hamill finishing with 235.3 points.

Team Galindo -- with Rudy Galindo, Sarah Hughes, Sasha Cohen and Tim Goebel -- was second with 233.7 points.

Team Kerrigan -- Nancy Kerrigan, Todd Eldredge, Angela Nikodinov and Jennifer Kirk-finished third at 231.5.

Read about Michael at CNN Sports Illustrated.com

Read about Michael in the Nov. 26, 2001 issue.

Michael to be featured in Men's Health magazine

Michael gets some last-minute styling
before the photo shoot.
Photo by Heather S. Hughes, Times Community Newspapers

For more on the photo shoot, click here

Michael was among the skaters participating in a special tribute in New York City last month.

Michael Weiss thought New York was ready for a distraction.

He had come to New York City to skate in a tribute to the U.S. figure

Michael invited Joanna Glick, brother of Jeremy Glick who was a passenger on the hijacked plane that crashed in Pennsylvania, to the exhibition.

skating team that died 40 years ago in a plane crash en route to the World Championships.

Michael turned his journey into something much more memorable.

Three weeks after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, Michael was among a group of American skating stars of the past, present and future to also honor the thousands who died on Sept. 11.

Michael planned to perform to "The Lord’s Prayer" but changed his mind. He skated to a medley by the Backstreet Boys.

"I wanted to skate to 'The Lord's Prayer,' "but I thought, 'Maybe New York is ready to have a little bit of fun to distract them from the gloom. I didn't want people to go away from this thing feeling bad."

Michael invited 16-year-old Joanna Glick of Upper Saddle River, N.J., to the exhibition. Joanna’s older brother, Jeremy, died on United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania after it was hijacked. The event organizers then asked Glick if she wanted to skate.

Joanna skated to "I Will Remember You" by Sara McLachlan. Jeremy's widow, Elizabeth, watched from the front row, as Joanna, a junior-level skater, performed.

"I was so happy at the end, I said Jeremy would be really proud," Joanna said.

Among the skaters featured included Scott Hamilton, Brian Boitano, Michelle Kwan, Tara Lipinski and Kristi Yamaguchi. Dick Button, Peggy Fleming and Kitty and Peter Carruthers also attended.

"I don't think there has ever been or will be again another event with as many champions as this," said Michael, a two-time U.S. Gold Medalist.

"Through everything that happened, we found American heroes who showed their true colors."

Michael Weiss staged a spirited comeback Saturday night at Skate America and showed the athleticism and determination that has come to personify his skating career.

Michael finished fourth, just out of the medals, but moved up three positions after a disappointing short program on Friday night. What made Michael’s performance so outstanding Saturday is that he was only the second skater to perform. Judges, unsure how the remainder of the competitors will perform, usually are conservative with the scores of the early skaters.

But Michael was pleased with his effort and his placement after his short program all but eliminated him from medal contention the night before.

"I would have been OK if the short program would have held up," Michael said after the results were posted. "I am not ecstatic, but I am happy I salvaged this event. At least I have a shot at the Grand Prix finals."

Skating to a Puccini medley, Michael missed his opening quad but landed his triple axel, double toe combination; triple flip and then nailed his second triple axel more than halfway through his program. That set the tone for the remainder of the program.

"The second axel was better than the first and at altitude, nobody had a better axel that late in the program," said Michael. "When I got halfway through my program I knew my second axel would be important."

Colorado Springs, Colo., challenges skaters to perform at a higher altitude than normal. Physical conditioning is paramount for athletes. Michael’s conditioning program rewarded him with a strong finish while other skaters appeared to be affected.

Michael will continue training, polishing his program and getting ready for his next major competition – the Sparkassen Cup in Germany.

RINK NOTES: Michael attended a U.S. team dinner Wednesday night. … Thursday morning’s practice was scheduled at 7 a.m. ... The Washington Post reports that Michael will end his amateur career after the Olympics … Michael had to ship two pairs of skates to the competition. He took one pair and his coach Audrey Weisiger took another on a separate flight. Skaters cannot check skates on flights because of new security regulations. … Michael has finished second twice at Skate America. … During Sunday’s Olympic Summit, the main focus from the media was on Michael’s health (which is excellent) and his motivation to win the national title. ... Michael was named the USOC Skater of the Year in 1999 and 2000.

Michael was an honorary co-chair of the Cystic Fibrosis "Battle of the Beltway" which was held in Washington D.C. on Oct. 9. Michael donated his time for the fundraiser/ auction.

The event was held at the JW Marriott Hotel. Michael donated an autographed skate blade worn in the 2001 Summer Tour of Champions on Ice.

Michael co-chaired the event along with local athletes from the Washington Redskins and Capitals. Celebrities helped raise thousands of dollars to benefit the research of Cystic Fibrosis. Mike has participated in this annual fundraiser for the past two years.

Michael was among a group of elite U.S. athletes participating in the U.S. Olympic Media Summit Oct. 21 at Salt Lake City, Utah.

Michael was among figure skaters presented before about 450 media representatives. The Olympic Summit is held to give media an opportunity to interview and photograph U.S. athletes in preparation to the Winter Games

He debuted his long program featuring selections from Puccini operas to finish second in the Goodwill Games Friday

at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Brisbane.

The medalists of the Goodwill Games: Evgeni Plushenko, Michael Weiss and Alexei Yagudin.

Michael enjoys some free time getting to feed a kangaroo. Coach Audrey Weisiger waits her turn.

The Goodwill Games was Michael's first competitive performance since last year's Nationals. "This is the exact start I wanted," Michael said. "I wanted to get a solid performance under my belt, get the confidence back and really just get the ball rolling."

Michael performed his quad-triple toe and triple axel-triple toe combinations. He nailed the triple flip, salchow and lutz en route to his second place finish. His technical marks ranged from 5.6-5.8 and his presentation marks were all 5.7s and 5.8s. "This early in the season I wanted to have a good performance and have something to build on," Michael said.

Russians Evgeni Plushenko finished first and Alexei Yagudin was third. Michael was second after the short program.

"As Lisa and I sat in our hotel room, ordering room service late at night, I think about how this week went. With each practice, my confidence seemed to build.

"I've come to three conclusions. First, I am very happy to be back on top of my game again, after last year's injury- filled season. Second, it's nice to get this Olympic season off on the right foot. And finally, finish an event of Yagudin.

"I hope to continue building consistency at each event and peak the year with the Olympics."

"Entering the season Michael was looking forward to getting off to a good start at the Goodwill Games. Michael unveiled his new "Malaguena" program and received strong reviews from the judges after his short program.

"Wow...I guess it pays off to not give up on any of your jumps," said Michael. "All three of my jumps in my short were a fight and I'm glad I stayed determined with each one."

Michael, his wife, Lisa, and coach Audrey Weisiger left August 31 for Australia.

Off the ice, Michael and Lisa had time to do some sightseeing at a Koala Farm in Brisbane. "It was absolutely amazing," Lisa said. "We didn't want to leave. Mike and I both held a Koala and got a photo. Mike also fed kangaroos, the biggest one that is 6 feet tall! We also saw Tasmanian Devils, Bats, Wallabies and Wombats."

Michael skates his short program at the Sparkassen Cup in Germany; Free Skate is Sunday

Michael Weiss is in seventh place after the short program at the Sparkassen (Nations) Cup Grand Prix in Gelsenkirchen, Germany Saturday.

The Nations Cup is Michael’s third competition this season. He earned a Silver Medal at the Goodwill Games and finished fourth at Skate America two weeks ago.

Michael had the unenviable position of being only the second skater to perform among the 12 competitors Saturday. The technical marks reflected the early scoring.

But Michael’s presentation marks, always a strength, continued to impress the judges. He earned marks of 5.5-5.7.

Michael Weiss had a difficult night in the short program of Skate America Friday night. He is in seventh place but a strong free skate Saturday night can still earn him a medal.

Michael admitted he wasn't as focused as he would have liked to have been but was pleased with his program. "The presentation was good but it was just one of those nights," Michael said. "I've been skating well and I got off to a great start this year. I've got to put this one behind me."

Earlier in the day Michael learned he was named the United States Olympic Committee's 1999 and 2000 Skater of the Year. A month ago Michael had received a notice in the mail of his honors but, at the time thought it was a joke.

It was confirmed Friday that it wasn't a joke - he indeed was the USOC's top male skater both years.

In 1999 and 2000 Michael won the U.S. National Championship and earned a bronze medal at the World Championships.

Michael Weiss couldn’t have picked a better place to begin the road to regain the U.S. National Championship.It was in1994 in Colorado Springs, Colo., that Michael won the World Junior Championships. And Friday evening, Michael begins his chase for another championship – at Skate America.

Michael’s practices have been going well this week. He did a run-through of his short program on Wednesday and will practice his free skate Thursday morning.

The entire week leading up to the competition is planned out in advance. Michael sits down with his wife, Lisa, and coach Audrey Weisiger to discuss mental strategy. They talk about their overall goal and make adjustments daily as needed.

Wednesday’s practices drew an unexpected large crowd to watch the men’s practice. "It was good to see a lot of people in the stands," Michael said.

Michael said security was one of the most talked about topics this week. "We are all concerned about security," Michael said. "It’s a difficult time to travel. But we can’t be worried and start staying home and canceling out of competitions or they (the terrorists) win."

Michael had a successful start to the 2001-2002 competition by winning the Wissahickon 2001 Summer competition in Philadelphia, Pa., July 20-21.

"I was very pleased with my first showing of both programs at Skate Wiss, but I need to adjust the entry into the second axel in the long program. I am waiting for the short outfits. I liked the long. The people at the event were very supportive and we really appreciated their hospitality."

Mike has been receiving a lot of Fan mail and emails. Just want all of you to know that he reads all of them and sends a personal response when requested. Mike is devoted to all of you and cherishes each and every correspondence.

I'm often asked what Mike is like off the ice and if he is as cute in person as he is on TV.

Mike is a very sensitive, passionate and caring individual. I've spent countless hours with both Mike, Lisa and their families, so, I think, my thoughts are accurate ones. Mike is fun to be around. He has a great sense of humor and enjoys people. In addition, he's very intelligent and enjoys discussing life issues. As you all know, Mike is devoted to his family and is an active father who participates in every aspect of child care. I am always touched to witness his genuine love for his kids. He really is a great Dad.

Is Mike as cute in person as he is on TV? Absolutely! Not only does he have a perfect body, but he has dark, handsome and hot features that would make anyone's head turn. So, for those of you who have a crush on Mike, you have great taste!

Mike continues to spend most of his time in practice. His new programs are perfection! Wait until you all see them! He is skating very well and preparing for the Goodwill Games in Australia next month. So, if any of you attend competitions or tours this season, please bring signs to cheer Mike on. This is promising to be a great year for Mike. Do I think he's going to win gold? Without reservation, YES!!

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- The United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) announced today that 2000 U.S. champion and World bronze medallst Michael Weiss of Fairfax, Va., has withdrawn from Trophee Lalique, scheduled for Paris, France, Nov. 23-26.

Weiss, who missed Skate America in October due to a stress fracture to his left foot, returned to action at Cup of Russia in St. Petersburg, Russia, this past weekend, finishing sixth. Weiss, who missed three weeks of training due to the injury was bothered by the foot and will now focus on defending his title at the 2001 State Farm U.S. Championships in Boston, Mass., Jan. 14-21.

"After missing valuable training time due to my injury, I looked forward to testing my programs at the Cup of Russia and Trophee Lalique," said Weiss. "Unfortunately my foot is not 100% and I now plan on focusing my energy on getting healthy and successfully defending my U.S. title in January."

Washington, D.C. - Two-time U.S. National Champion and World Bronze Medalist Michael Weiss was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot's third metacarpal today. The injury will keep Weiss off the ice for two-to-six weeks.

"My foot has been bothering me for a few weeks, so I went to my doctor. The x-rays showed that continuous pounding on my foot has caused a stress fracture," said Weiss.

Last year, Weiss overcame a fractured ankle and the birth of his second child in capturing his second consecutive U.S. National Championship. "It's just a setback. Trust me, I have been through it before, so I know how to handle it," added Weiss. "The doctor said it has already started to heal, so I hope to be back on the ice very soon."

Wow, in order to repeat as National Champion and World Bronze Medalist, I had to take a very different path. Early in this season, I was unsure whether my injury would allow me to compete this year. So making my way back to the World podium was very special. The qualifying round is now worth 20% of our total placement, and forces us to skate a solid program to stay in the hunt for a medal. I skated a very good program to start off the World Championships. I got off to a good start, placing second after the qualifying round.

In the short program I landed the quadruple toe loop out of footwork and the triple axel/triple toe loop combination. I got so excited and pumped that I had landed all of the difficult jumps, I was too aggressive with the double axel... and stepped out of the landing. It was a highly competitive event, with Yagudin and Pluschenko both skating clean programs. I found myself in third place after the short program, in good position to get a medal.

The long program was a testament to the long week, with the extended stress of the qualifying round. The men were clearly tired from a emotionally and physically draining week of competition. I skated an artistically sound program, with a step out of the quad toe loop. I was very happy with the way the Carmen program developed as the year went on. My wife, Lisa, did a wonderful job again of putting together a program that accentuates the finer points of my skating.

I won the Bronze Medal and proudly placed it around my mother's neck after the medal ceremony.

Now on the Champions on Ice Tour, I will be doing all 38 shows with my family on and off throughout the 2 month tour. If you would like to see the show, you can get show times and cities at www.ChampionsonIce.com.

The week of the National Championships in Cleveland, Ohio started out a bit rough. I arrived on Tuesday to do a press conference, where I was greeted to questions about the rumor that I was not going to compete. Once those false rumors were cleared up, I had my first practice at the "Gund" Arena.

It was important to skate well, since the recovery of my injury (ankle stress frac-ture) was still uncertain to a lot of people. Early in the practice, I put my hand down on a routine triple axle, but my hand slipped, exposing my chin to hit the ice. I continued with the practice and skated rather well considering my chin was bleeding heavily. The result was four stitches in my chin.

To add to the drama, my son Christopher got the chicken pox, while recovering from bronchiolitis. And my daughter, Annie Mae, was recovering from an ear infection. When I wasn't practicing, I was giving extra love to my kids to help speed their recovery. My normally very happy and healthy children got especially close attention from their two grandparents. My wife and I are so fortunate to have parents who love our children as much as we do.

Needless to say, my week hadn't started off as planned. But it certainly finished the way I had hoped. My practices continued to improve as the week went on. My confidence was building with each practice.

I skated first in my warm-up for the short program. I "performed" the program well, changing the quadruple toe loop into a triple. But I was in first place after the short program, and that's where I wanted to be.

In the long program, I drew last to skate. After a calm and confident warm-up, I had a 45 minute wait backstage before my performance. I knew my competitors had skated well and that I had to perform at my highest level to win.

This year my coaches and I especially emphasized the artistic side of my skating and I knew that would separate me from my other competitors. It paid off. I received my first 6.0, on my way to a clean program with 9 triples. Finishing my program to a standing ovation was a very emotional ending for me because it was my first performance since my stress fracture had healed.

Upon exiting the ice I was greeted with tears and hugs from my wife and my coach. My wife, Lisa, was especially excited with my 6.0 in Artistry, for she was the one who beautifully choreographed the piece to "Carmen."

The medal ceremony was very special to me. At last year's ceremony, I triumphantly carried my daughter around the rink. This year my son, Christopher, was hoisted high for the victory lap. Sharing these moments with my children makes me realize the important things in life: the love of my family.

Almost sixty of my family and friends made the trip from Washington to Cleveland to show their support. It was nice to know that the people I care most about are willing to take the time to cheer me on.

Winning my second National Championship was very special to me. As the cliche goes, "It's harder to defend a title than it is to win it the first time."

The Keri Lotion USA vs. The World Figure Skating Challenge took place in Kennewick, WA. The crowd was very energetic and responsive to my program to K.C. and the Sunshine Band medley. It was one of the loudest ovations I have received after a performance. The USA Team won the event with myself, Mi-chelle Kwan, Todd Eldredge, Sarah Hughes, Timothy Goebel, and Dorothy Hamill. It will be televised on ABC on January 9th from 2-4 pm.

On December 14, I flew up to New York City to be a celebrity judge on the MTV show Say What, Karaoke? It was taped in the MTV studio in Times Square. It was a thrill to see what goes into the making of a hit TV show. It will be televised on January 14th, 2000 on MTV.

For the second year in a row, the Improv-Ice skating event was held in Worchester, Mass. The cast was full of skating champions ready to put their improvisational skills to the test. We randomly draw a piece of music from a hat. Then we had one hour to choreograph a program and perform it LIVE onTelevi-sion.

I chose a piece by Dwight Yoakam entitled "Tired of Waiting for You." I put my choreographer's cap on and created a program in one hour. I skated it cleanly and got a great crowd response. The audience was especially understanding of the skaters and their limited time to prepare. The format was a hit, and something unique for television viewers to enjoy.

Trophee Lalique was held in Paris, France in early November. My ankle had been bothering me all week, but I could still do the triple and quadruple jumps, but with much less repetition. So, I tried to tough it out, and skate anyway. The short program again went well, landing the triple axel triple toe loop combination. I found myself in second place entering the long program. Similar to Skate America, my long program lacked the triple combinations that I have come to rely on.

When I returned from France, I took two weeks completely off of the ice, to rest my ankle. I visited many doctors, was ordered to use a bone stimulator machine ten hours a day, and began taking a prescription medication to attack the injury. Harlick skating boot company has made me a new skating boot that comes up two inches higher on my ankle, to disperse the pressure from the injured area. It also has "pockets" in the skate to hold an insert of carbon fiber to further protect the ankle.

Skate America took place in Colorado Springs, Colorado in October. I was suffering from a stress fracture in my left ankle, which was affecting my triple jump combinations and my Quadruple toe loop. I skated a solid short program to "On the Waterfront," landing the triple axel triple toe loop combination. I was sitting in second place going into the long program.

My injury has kept me from training at the level that I am accustomed. Therefore my consistency has varied. This was apparent in the long program, where I skated an "up and down" program to finish fourth.

Christopher Michael Weiss Born October 21, 1999 at 9:36 am......7lbs. exactly, and 20 in. long!!!

At the end of June, I finished the Champions on Ice tour - 45 shows in 45 cities! The last show was in Seattle, then a long flight back to Washington D.C. Annie Mae was on tour with either Lisa or my mom about half of the time. That made the tour go by a bit quicker.

Just before the end of the tour, I flew from San Francisco to Washington D.C. for an evening banquet to receive the Father of the Year Award from the National Fatherhood Initiative. Annie Mae, Lisa, our families and close friends attended the banquet. They honor fathers who are involved, dedicated, committed, and take on the responsibilities of good parenting. I am very proud of this award and will continue to try to live up to this title. Among the other honorees this year and previous years: Kirk Cameron, Alan Thick, Tom Selleck, and Evander Holyfield.

After the tour, I took a week and a half vacation to the outer banks in North Carolina with my wife, daughter, my sister, her husband and their two kids. It was a vacation that was a long time coming, and it was very relaxing.

When I returned home, it was time to get back to work for the 2000 season. Brian Wright came in town for a week and a half to work on my new short program. Then I began the chore of getting all of the wrinkles out and making the program comfortable with all of the jumps in it.

Lisa and I are now working on my new long and show programs for next season and beginning the designs for new costumes.

National Silver Medalist and World Team Ice Dancer Mathew Gates has been working with me on stroking technique, line, and posture. He has worked with me for four weeks so far and my coaches have already notice a big difference in my skating. World class ice dancers have such a strong carriage on the ice, and I hope his influence can help me improve on my World Bronze Medal. In July, I "shot" a television piece for Fox's On thin Ice, which will be aired sometime in the early fall.

The biggest highlight of the summer for me was going to the doctor to find out the sex of our new baby, to be born end of Oc-tober-early November. IT'S A BOY!!!!! We were both very excited to find out that it is healthy and on schedule.

World Championships was a unique and thrilling experience for me. Winning a medal was icing on the cake of a very satisfying year of skating. The competition included a field of incredibly talented skaters - undeniably the best figure skating event in recent years.

I was "tuned in" all week. I don't think I missed a single skill in ANY practice all week. We practiced in a real cave underneath the Hartwell Arena! It was the practice rink, which was dug into the rocky terrain that
supports the city of Helsinki.

My qualifying round went very well, with the landing of the quad. It was great to be The first US Skater to perform a quad in a world championship!

My short program was skated with confidence, and I was ready for the long. Skating last in the final group of the long program was nerve-wracking; but I've experienced it many times before, so I knew how to handle the lag time between warm-up and competition. My experience really helped to pace me through this long week. I worked my pace, my rhythm, using a strategy I've planned a year to do. I've never had a better competition, or season, and I believe my long-range plan helped me stay focused.

I want to thank everyone who has helped me along the way, and who are continuing to support my efforts and philosophy. I am extremely happy with my life and my skating; so here's to a great show season with Champions on Ice, which began April 8th in Baltimore, MD.

It's the Michelle and Michael year! We're the new US National champions -- and the last of the 20th century!

Then it was on to the Grand Prix final for me, in St. Petersburg, Russia, March 4th - 7th. Worlds follows soon thereafter - March 21st in Helsinki, Finland.

Many thanks to all the people who have supported me, cheered me on, and encouraged me through the years. The 1999 Championships was a culmination of 11 years of hard work at the National level - and lots of fun. A dream come true!

At the Sears Figure Skating Open on Dec. 4th and 5th in Kitchener, Canada, I received a standing ovation for my clean short program to "van Halen." This put me into the lead - ahead of one of the skaters I try most to emulate, Kurt Browning. The Interpretive Free Skate had me skating clean again to "When a Man Loves a Woman," including the triple axel. Kurt edged me out with 6.0's in artistry, putting me in second, ahead of Brian Orser. It was a fun event, and the Canadians are so enthusiastic and supportive to me.

The Improv Ice Skating Challenge in Worchester, MA, on December 3rd, was a truly exciting event. Through a random draw, I chose a classical piece that was soft at the beginning and had a powerful build to the end. I enjoyed the pressure of having just one hour to choreograph the program before performing it.

Trophee Lalique in November was great. I skated a clean short program to win. In the long, I took second (to the Russian, Alexi Yagudin, World Champion), qualifying me for the Grand Prix Final in March. Lisa, Annie Mae and my mom joined Audrey and me for the cold trip to Paris. A highlight was a lovely baby outfit for Annie Mae from Laurent Tobel, premiere amateur skater of France. He said baby clothes are a specialty of the French, and he was right! The outfit is adorable. Annie Mae wore it to match my short program costume! With two-second places in Grand Prix events, I should now have a solid spot in the Grand Prix final in March. I expect to compete with the five other top skaters: Alexander Abt, Elvis Stojko, Evgeny Pluschenko, Alexi Urmanov, and Alexi Yagudin. The event is scheduled for Russia.

I skated in the Pro Am Challenge of Champions in Ft. Lauderdale, FL (Nov. 4th through 7th, 1998). I came in second in the Thrifty Car Rental Skate America International '98 in Detroit, MI (Oct. 29th through Nov.1st) with a really strong performance - a great way to start the competitive season! My new programs were well received, as were the costumes.

From Oct 10th through 15th I attended a Training Week with Tamara Moskvina in Stamford, CT. Early October I was in Daytona Beach for the Nice 'n' Easy Pro-Am Classic, where I came in second to Todd Eldredge, defeating two Olympic gold medalists, Ilia Kulik and Victor Petrenko.

After the Goodwill Games, I finished up my new competitive programs with Audrey, Lisa and Brian, and then settled into two months of training.

On June 16, the Disney on Ice production of Mulan on Ice was shown on ABC national TV. Michelle Kwan was Mulan, a Chinese girl that saves China from the Hun invasion, and I played the leader of the Huns. For me, the most exciting thing about shooting this special was a real live hawk that flew across the ice and landed on my forearm. The hawk was supposed to be my spy.

Philippe Candelero was the other principal skater in the TV special. This TV show was a promotion for the Disney animated movie Mulan, which came out to the theaters in June.

Summer 1998 provided me with a chance to train, and also to tour a bit more with Champions on Ice, on the West Coast and upper mid-America. I continue to train at the Fairfax Ice Arena (where I have trained since I was nine) with Audrey Weisiger.

In May of 1998 I received, for the second year in a row, the Professional Skaters' Guild award for Best Male Performance of the Year at the U.S. Nationals. Michelle Kwan received the women's version of the coveted award.

Colorado Springs, CO (May 16, 2000) -- Two-time U.S. champion and World bronze medalist Michael Weiss of Fairfax, VA, was honored with his first Skating magazine Readers' Choice Award for Skater of the Year. Weiss accepted his award at the 2000 USFSA Governing Council in Atlanta, Ga., on May 13.

Voted on by the readers of Skating magazine, the official publication of the U.S. Figure Skating Association with a circulation of more than 40,000 and a readership of almost 125,000, the annual award honors an eligible figure skater for their accomplishments throughout the season. The award, now in its 12th year, is an original bronze sculpture donated by renowned skating artists Meghan and Douglas Taylor-Gebler of Prescott, Ariz.

"Wow! I really wasn't expecting this," said an appreciative Michael Weiss, who was genuinely surprised by the honor. "The USFSA has given me incredible support this year. I took a different path to get here this year and I will treasure this incredibly."

Weiss, the father of two, also laughed that he didn't know what he was going to with the sculpture, since he didn't know if it was "baby-proof."

Weiss claimed his second U.S. title in February under tremendous pressure. Injured most of the year, he was unable to perform up to his usual standard of excellence at the early ISU Grand Prix events. However, he reeled off nine triples in the free skate at the 2000 State Farm U.S. Championships and earned his first-ever 6.0 (for presentation). Weiss stood up to the pressure of skating after Cleveland's own Timothy Goebel, who skated an historic program with three quadruple jumps.

Weiss moved on to win his second straight World bronze medal in Nice, France, against one of the toughest fields ever in a World Championship. He completed a quad for the second time in his career in the qualifying round and continued with strong performances in the short and long programs.