Интервью с Д из Mook Book.Часть 1

Johnny answered my questions during breaks between shooting the photos for this book in collaboration with M.A.C.

As I face him, I feel the maturity and strength of a person who completely understands my intentions, and generously considers whatever I ask him. I think he has two merits of Americans: to clearly express his opinion, and to respect others' rights. During our time, he seemed unable to conceal his despair over the results of the Olympics, and he spoke frankly about his feelings.

Days After the Olympics

I missed you at the World Championships in Torino. Why did you decide to withdraw from them?
In Vancouver, I skated my best both for the short program and the free skate, but the result was sixth place. I thought that if I went to Torino without understanding the reasons for that result, and then received sixth or seventh at Worlds, it would have been bad for my mental health. I thought I needed to reconsider what kind of programs I create, not only ones to satisfy me, but also ones that the judges would score well. Besides, I could not concentrate on practice. During the month after the Olympics, I flew around the US for various things. If I compete next season, I want to be 100 percent ready for competition. I don't want to cancel at the last minute after the press has been saying for a long time, "He may come, he may come."

In the US, you worked as a TV commentator for Worlds, didn't you?
Yes, but to be honest with you, my feelings were complex. When I actually saw the competition on TV, I felt like I did want to compete there after all. But what's good is that I knew almost all the skaters there as friends, and I was able to comment as someone who was knowledgeable about them in that way. Older commentators don't have that information.

Did you enjoy working as a TV commentator?
Yes, I did, but I don't know if I could work as one for the rest of my life. In LA last season, it was really interesting to sit together with the broadcasting staff and experience the inside of that world. But while watching the performances, I began to feel, "I should be skating there," and it was a little conflicting.

Since Vancouver, have you had enough time to reflect on what happened in the Olympics?
Not yet. After that, I went to Russia, I went to LA, and my life was so hectic that I didn't have any time to sit and reflect undisturbed. I'm thinking of going to the Cayman Islands in several weeks to think about the future. Last year I went there with my brother. This year I'll go alone so that I'll be able to have time to free my mind and to contemplate. I can't move forward unless I thoroughly analyze what has happened.

What did Galina [Zmievskaya] tell you after the Olympics?
She told me that she was really proud of what I had achieved. I think not only she, but all the people in the US--no, all the people in the world--were proud of me. Galina was of course dissatisfied with the results and insisted that I should go to Worlds in Torino and overturn them. She was a little upset when I decided to withdraw, but she understood what I felt. She was with me while I was crying in the back after seeing the Olympic results.

Did Viktor [Petrenko] tell you anything?
Well, he mentally supported me. As a matter of fact, I rarely went to the rink after the Olympics, so I've had no opportunity to sit and talk leisurely with him or anyone yet. Those opportunities will come. Right now I'm enjoying the off time.

You haven't decided about next season at all, have you?
Not yet. I have been nominated for the Grand Prix series. If I do compete, I want to create new programs in June or July. But if I think I am even a little behind, I won’t push myself. The judges may be more interested in supporting young skaters like Adam Rippon. If I decide to compete, I want to do it when I am completely ready to fight the rivals.