NEW YORK (AP) — Three-time U.S. figure skating champion Johnny Weir has retired and will join NBC for its coverage of the Sochi Games.
Known as much for his outlandish costumes and statements as for his strong skating, Weir spent 16 years in the sport, going to two Olympics. He will begin his broadcasting career on Sunday during the network’s coverage of Skate Canada. Weir won the 2004, ’05 and ’06 titles, and finished fifth at the 2006 Olympics and sixth in 2010.
Joining Weir on NBC’s team for Sochi will be 1998 gold medalist Tara Lipinski, the youngest Olympic figure skating champion when she won in Nagano at age 15, and 2006 silver medalist Tanith Belbin. With ice dance partner Ben Agosto, Belbin came in second at the Turin Olympics.
The Winter Olympics begin Feb. 6.
