8Bit/Digi

How would one define the ultimate Yuri!!! On Ice? One could say the ultimate fan has a DVD copy signed by the entire cast, having collected every memorabilia, or having a Tumblr page dedicated to the show. In truth these attempts are futile when compared to a fan who has lived the life of Yuri Katsuki.

Johnny Weir is an American figure skater who has competed twice in the Olympics and won the bronze medal in 2008. He has also won the bronze twice at the Grand Prix Final and has won the gold three times at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Plus he is also a huge fan of Yuri!!! on Ice.

Johnny Weir: A Conversation with an Olympic Figure Skater and Yuri!!! On ICE Fan was a panel at Crunchyroll Expo that looked into the career of Weir and how its similar to Yuri Katsuki. This was an opportunity for fans to see how someone could see themselves through a work of fiction that also mirrors reality.

Upon stepping onto the stage, Weir delivered a solid message about how he admires the community at Crunchyroll Expo for its dedication to accepting everyone for who they are. This was a powerful message for everyone especially following what happened in Charlottesville along with the ongoing demonstrations at Berkley.

During the conversation, Weir shared the story of his career and what he has been doing after the Olympics along with  how he was introduced to Yuri!!! on Ice. It was not all glory as he also shared the hardships many professional figure skaters and Olympians go through after achieving their success.

Johnny Weir: A Conversation with an Olympic Figure Skater and Yuri!!! On ICE Fan was one of many panels that were presented during Crunchyroll Expo 2017. Fans could also could get Weir autograph during any of the signing sessions.

This special report is part of 8Bit/Digi‘s coverage of Crunchyroll Expo. If you attended the event or comic con, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

You could also check out Highlights from Crunchyroll Expo 2017 and CRX 2017 | Intro to Code Vein .

Disclaimer: Crunchyroll Expo provided 8Bit/Digi with press passes for the weekend.