Did Johnny Weir Go to Tara Lipinski‘s Wedding?

Figure skating legends Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir have captivated audiences for over two decades with their world-class skating, bold fashion choices, and endearing friendship. As the closest of confidants, fans widely assumed Johnny would attend Tara‘s wedding when she got married in 2017. However, when the big day arrived, Johnny was noticeably not by her side at the altar.

What happened, and how did these two stars grow so close through the ups and downs of their careers? Let‘s break down the history behind one of figure skating‘s most beloved friendships.

Two Phenoms Rise Through the Ranks

Tara and Johnny‘s friendship traces back over 20 years to their early days as teen skating sensations. Tara shot to fame in 1996 when she won the U.S. National Championship and World Championships at just 14 years old. Known for her incredible jumping ability, she was pegged as the next big thing in U.S. ladies figure skating.

Around the same time, a 12-year-old Johnny Weir was making waves by winning the World Junior Championship in 1997. Creative, athletic, and totally unapologetic, he brought artistry and flare to the men‘s discipline.

Though competing in different gender divisions, Tara and Johnny‘s accomplishments paired them as the exciting future of figure skating. They formed a special bond as friends and confidants despite technically being rivals.

Tara Lipinski‘s Major Competitive Achievements:

• 1996 World Champion (youngest ladies‘ champion in history at 14 years old)
• 1998 Olympic Champion at 15 years old
• 1997 U.S. National Champion
• 1998 U.S. National Champion
• 1996 U.S. National Champion

Johnny Weir‘s Major Competitive Achievements:

• 2001 World Bronze Medalist
• 2003-2006 U.S. National Champion
• 2004 World Bronze Medalist
• 1997 World Junior Champion

Behind the Scenes of Stardom

While their competitive successes made them household names, behind the scenes Tara and Johnny supported each other‘s toughest and most vulnerable moments.

In 2001, Tara suffered a devastating hip injury that forced her to withdraw from competitions. At just 19 years old, many speculated this could be the end of her amateur career. Johnny, now 17, checked in on her recovery daily, helping lift her spirits.

Johnny also faced obstacles on his road to greatness. Constantly targeted for his gender fluidity and rumored sexuality, he endured immense criticism and prejudice from judges and media. Tara became Johnny‘s rock during these difficult times, providing a listening ear and reminding him of his worth.

Their friendship provided vital comfort and solace as the pressures of fame and competition threatened to overwhelm them.

Parting Ways as Pros

In the early 2000s, Tara and Johnny made the bittersweet decision to leave amateur skating behind. Tara officially retired in 2002 at just 18 years old, following her hip surgery. Johnny competed through the 2006 Olympics before stepping away from the competitive circuit.

Pursuing professional endeavors, their paths diverged, with Tara moving into broadcasting and Johnny focusing on touring ice shows. But they made an effort to reconnect whenever possible, still treasuring their foundational friendship.

After years apart, in 2014 they teamed up to provide expert commentary for figure skating at the Sochi Winter Olympics. Their infectious chemistry and good-natured rapport made them overnight fan favorites.

Next Chapter – Life Off the Ice

In 2016, Tara joyfully announced her engagement to CBS sports producer Todd Kapostasy after several years of dating. She credited Johnny as being the first person she called to share the news.

As Tara prepared for her 2017 California wedding, Johnny showered her with love and support. True to form, he attended her glamorous bridal shower, where Tara was glowing with wedding bliss.

The Big Day Arrives

When April 8, 2017 finally arrived, Tara‘s closest family and friends gathered for the oceanfront ceremony – but with one high-profile absence. Despite their unbreakable bond, Johnny was forced to miss the event due to a scheduling conflict.

At the time, Johnny was contracted to perform in a figure skating show in Atlantic City that same weekend. Though devastated, he honored his prior commitment. Johnny later remarked:

“Our friendship off the ice will always be more important than any competition or event.”

Proving there were no hard feelings, Johnny immediately drove to meet Tara first thing the next morning. He spent the whole day celebrating her marriage and new chapter.

Friends Forever

Nearly 25 years after meeting as young teen prodigies, Tara and Johnny‘s skating careers have come full circle. They are now beloved broadcasting partners and the most recognizable faces of figure skating.

And with decades of history behind them, their friendship remains unwavering. Johnny‘s absence from Tara‘s wedding was merely a small hiccup in their lifelong bond.

As Tara once said:

“We‘ll be 80 years old and doing figure skating shows and people will still wonder if we actually like each other!”

Here‘s to another 25 years of friendship between two of America‘s greatest skating sweethearts. On or off the ice, their unique connection captivates audiences everywhere.