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Michael's favorite foods -- find out what they are

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Michael wins fans' vote at Marshall's Challenge

December 12, 2005

Michael skated two great performances at the Marshalls Figure Skating Challenge to make it to the final round.

His signature move, the "tornado", was a great hit with the audience and was shown several times in slow-motion by ABC. His back flips and fast spins were also brought applause.

He received impressive comments from the panel of judges: Peggy Fleming, Peter Carruthers and Dick Button, although their opinions were not considered in the final placement.

They commented on his "modern, classical lines" and his athleticism, and were impresssed with both programs.

Pastry chefs make life sweeter for Best Buddies;
Michael serves as judge

November 4, 2005

By Audrey Hoffer
SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Tantalizing whiffs of delicious sweets wafted through closed ballroom doors into the ornate foyer of the Ritz-Carlton in Pentagon City on Wednesday night as a throng of guests impatiently nibbled hors d'oeuvres.

What they really wanted was dessert. Not just cheesecake and fruit cups, but grand creations from Washington's best pastry chefs: sinfully excessive but delicious chocolate-mousse-stuffed strawberries, palm-size pumpkins plump with creme caramel and slices of strawberry vodka lime cake would do -- for starters.

Citronelle, Vidalia, Marcel's and Le Paradou were among 18 top area restaurants participating in the first Life Is Sweet Pastry Chef Showcase benefit for Best Buddies Virginia, a local affiliate of the national Best Buddies organization.

The charity fosters friendships with people with intellectual disabilities. Each competing pastry chef was teamed with a Best Buddy student to select a recipe and then prepare it together.

Half-round tables covered with black and gold tablecloths served as stations for the chefs and their assistants plus the Buddy Chef, all comme il faut in starched white linen chef's jackets.

"We're all doing this for the right reason," Bistro Bis chef Heather Martindale observed. "This makes a difference."

"This charity feels good in your heart," added Marcel's Paul Stearman, whose long face edged by spiky hair and sideburns gave him the quintessential food artist look.

Moving from station to station, clipboards in one hand, forks in the other, was the panel of four judges.

Judge Michael Weiss, a 29-year-old two time Olympic figure-skater, recently joined the board of Best Buddies Virginia at the suggestion of his friend Stephen D. Mutty, the group's advisory chairman. "I have enjoyed working with the Special Olympics in the past," he said, "so this is a perfect transition."

Competition among the chefs was more whimsical than serious. Pumpkin orange and passion-fruit green tea macaroons from Jerome Girardot of the District's Ritz-Carlton won in the "finest appearance" category; DC Coast's David Guas' Louisiana cane syrup spice cake with Virginia apple butter and orange cream won for the most unusual use of ingredients. Steve Klc of Oyamel/Jaleo's chocolate and orange parfait with hints of ginger, cardamom and sesame "best embodied the evening's spirit"; and Miss Martindale's strawberry cream cake with macaroons was judged the best overall dessert.

Former White House pastry chef Roland Mesnier, wearing a royal blue shirt and salmon pink tie beneath a chef's jacket bearing the White House seal, announced the winners while reminiscing about his long career. When asked the inevitable "Who was your favorite president?" question, he replied with a diplomatic twinkle. "Truly I loved every one of them. And I'm not just playing politics."

Later he revealed that it was "because of Nancy Reagan that I am a better pastry chef. She was a very tough lady to work for, but because of her I made it 25 years at the White House."

"Remember life is sweet," he declared with a sweep of his arm as patrons hastened to taste every last offering before evening's end.

Mike to compete at Campbell's Classic

Three-time U.S. champion Michael Weiss has been added to the roster for the 2005 Campbell's International Figure Skating Classic in St. Paul, Minn., on Saturday, Oct. 8.

A donation to Habitat for Humanity

In response to the devastation Hurricane Katrina has wrought on the lives of the residents of the Gulf Coast, thousands of them are homeless, Lisa and Michael Weiss have made a donation to Habitat for Humanity in hopes of helping these displaced citizens rebuild their homes. Lisa and Michael encourage all skating fans and everyone across the country to help in any way they can.

Story about Michael's fundraiser at USFSA.org

As two-time Olympian Michael Weiss puts it, "It's difficult to turn down and say no to doing something nice." That's why the skating community has offered overwhelming support for the first Michael Weiss Foundation fundraiser this Saturday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. The event will be held at SkateQuest in Reston, Va., one of the two rinks where the three-time U.S. champion trains.

MWF scholarship winner brings home Silver medal

Christine Zukowski

Sept. 11, 2005

Michael Weiss Foundation scholarship winner Christine Zukowski won the Silver Medal at the second ISU Junior Grand Prix Event in Canillo, Andorra.

Christine returns to the JGP series following a fifth-place finish at the JGP China in 2004. She also finished second at the 2005 State Farm U.S. Figure Skating Championships as a junior and won the Gardina Spring Trophy in 2004.

Todd and Michael./Photo by Michelle Wojdyla

August 3, 2005

So, I am back from my trip to Detroit to train with Todd for a week. I really enjoyed working with him. It was interesting to see that a lot of his philosophies on skating mirrored my own. He and I seem to approach the sport, and training in a very similar manner.

We worked a lot on my new programs, and focused on the importance of the new 5 components mark with its increased impact on the overall score.

Along with the on ice work, we found time to play as well. A trip to a go-cart track, Gameworks, some basketball, and bubble hockey made it not ALL work ….But some play too!

All in all, it was a fun and productive trip! I plan on going back occasionally and continuing my work with him as the year progresses.

Thanks Todd !

Mike

Mike to work with Todd

Michael and his coach, Donald Laws, have decided that Michael might benefit from a little extra motivation moving into the third Olympic season of his career.

After careful consideration, the answer was obvious. Three-time Olympian and World Champion Todd Eldredge of Detroit, MI, will be working with Michael beginning the week of July 25, 2005, to help boost his competitive edge. They will be at The Onyx Rochester Ice Arena of Rochester, MI.

"I've have always been good friends with Todd, and respect his skating skills very much. I am looking forward to him having a positive impact on my skating."

Michael keynote speaker at Post's All Met Luncheon

Mike was the Keynote Speaker for the Washington Post's 19th annual All Metropolitan Luncheon on May 24, 2005, at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C.

This is what they had to say about Mike:

"Like the young high school students that The Post will be honoring, Michael is an outstanding athlete who attended local schools in the Washington Metropolitan area. With his membership in the National Honor Society and having recently accepted the award from Phi Theta Kappa Collegiate Honor Society we see Michael as a role model and a good match to inspire the students to succeed.

"For the past 19 years, The Post has honored local athletes selected by The Post's Sports staff as the best in the area. Teams are selected and announced individually in the paper throughout the year in special All Met sections. In the late spring, the athletes are honored at the All Met luncheon. Parents and coaches are joined by Post sportswriters, professional sports personalities, and business and government leaders to pay tribute to these hard-working athletes.

"Speakers of the All Metropolitan lunch have included Cal Ripken, Shawn Springs, Morgan Wooten, Chamique Holdsclaw, Michael Weiss, Mia Hamm and many other athletes from the DC region."

Mike, Annie Mae and Christopher performed in a local show "Lion King" at The
Gardens Ice House in Laurel, MD, and signed authographs after the show.

Michael would like to thank the patrons for donating $375 toward the
Michael Weiss Foundation.

Michael, three-time U.S. National Champion Figure Skater, will accept the 2005 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the International Convention.

Another great show in Binghamton, N.Y., with Kenny Loggins and a great cast.....skating to live music is so much fun ! And Kenny was as nice and accommodating to the skaters as he could be. I have really enjoyed doing these Disson shows this season. Pictured at the show are, from left: Linda Leaver , Brian Boitano, Yuka Sato and Jason Dunjen, Michael, Lea Ann Miller, and Alexi Yagudin,

Michael poses with, from left, Alexei Yagudin, Steve Disson and Kenny Loggins.

Michael and daughter Annie mae demonstrate a split full twist.

Michael has fun with son Christopher and daughter Annie Mae on the ice. He and his wife, Lisa, take the children skating twice a week.

The photos of Mike and the kids are featured in The Holiday Issue of Nick Jr magazine.

Mike is featured in Skating magazine's holiday issue. In the magazine, he talks about unusual holiday experiences: Thanksgiving is spent down on the Thornton Family Farm. It is in Newton Grove, N.C. Both of my wife's parents grew up in Newton Grove, and Thanksgiving is a HUGE family gathering for a pig pickin', with about 75 relatives including cousins, uncles, aunts and grandparents. They have a wonderfamily tradition that has been passed on to each generation, which is a great pride in their heritage. It is my children's favorite holiday because they get to see all of their cousins and run around the farm from dawn 'til dusk. The great Southern cookingn doesn't hurt either!

Mike finishes fifth of 2005 U.S. Championships

For the first time in nine years, Michael failed to make the World championship team. The three-time U.S. National Champion finished fifth in the U.S. Figure Championships in Portland, Oregon.

Mike finishes fourth at NHK Trophy

Michael Weiss finished fourth at the NHK Trophy this weekend at Nagoya, Japan.

Check out Mike's tattoo costume!

Michael Weiss won the Bronze Medal at Skate America at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It was Michael’s first event of the season and his first Grand Prix competition.

Michael to unveil new short program

Three-time United States Men’s Champion and Two-time Olympian Michael Weiss will exhibit his 2004/2005 short program for the first time this year on Friday, July 16th at the Third Annual Liberty Summer Competition at the Pond Ice Arena in Newark, Delaware. The competition will introduce the International Skating Union’s newly created scoring system, developed after the controversy of the 2002 Olympic Games. This new system will ultimately replace the famed

Michael in Top 6 at Worlds

Michael Weiss finished sixth at the 2004 World Championships in Dortmund, Germany.

Michael skates strong short program at Worlds

Michael Weiss delivered his best short program of the year at the 2004 World Championships in Dortmund, Germany Tuesday and put himself in position to challenge for another world medal.

Michael leads U.S. men in qualifying at Worlds

Michael Weiss finished fifth in the second of two qualifying groups at the 2004 World Championships in Dortmund, Germany. He is the top U.S. skater among three competing.

Michael to perform in Minnesota ice show

Michael will be the special star of the Vacationland Figure Skating Club's 2004 Ice Show in Brainerd, Minnesota. 

Michael performs in Art on Ice

Michael performed two numbers in the popular Art on Ice in Zurich, Switzerland January 22-24, 2004.

Mike taking a break from Champions On Ice

After seven consecutive years of touring with the popular Champions on Ice tour, Michael Weiss has announced that he is taking the Spring, 2004 tour off to spend more time with his family and pursue other opportunities. "It has been a long year," said Michael. "I am looking forward to resting my body a little bit, spending time with my wife and kids and doing motivational speaking which is something I really enjoy." With a background of working with such companies as Xerox, Marriott, AT&T, Coca-Cola, UPS, McDonald's, NuSkin, Capezio and various Olympic sponsors, Michael is looking forward to sharing his message of perseverance and discipline with corporate and individual organizations around the country.

Keep checking on how to win skating scholarship

Keep checking in to get details on how to win a skating scholarship being offered by Michael through The Michael Weiss Foundation. As a thank you for all the support he has received through the years and with the hopes of encouraging the next generation of American skaters, Michael will offer a skating scholarship to a deserving, young athlete. Information on how to win coming soon on www.michaelweiss.org

Mike wins Silver at U.S. Championships

Michael skated two superb programs at the 2004 State Farm U.S. National Championships in Atlanta to win the Silver Medal.

Mike in Sports Illustrated

Michael Weiss was featured in a story in Sports Illustrated in the December 17, 2003 issue.

Mike is featured in the 2004 Blades On Ice Calendar. He is the month of August.

Michael was featured on the cover of the August/September 2003 issue of Skating magazine, and there is an in-depth story inside.

Michael and his new Freedom Blades are featured on the cover of the January/February2003 issue of Patinage magazine.

Mike wins Bronze at Grand Prix Final

Michael Weiss, battling the flu for a week, earned third place at the Grand Prix Final at Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Read Mike's online chat

Mike was featured in an online chat on USAToday.

Mike named spokesperson for National Skating Week 2004

Mike, 2003 U.S. National Champion, has been announced as the national spokesperson for National Skating Week 2004!

Mike wins Bronze at ABC International Skating Challenge

Michael third in a strong field at the ABC International Skating Challenge held in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Mike wins Bronze at Trophee Lalique

Michael Weiss skated to a Bronze Medal at Trophee Lalique in Paris.

Mike wins Gold at Skate America

Michael Weiss has trained all summer to adjust his programs to the new scoring system, and he used it to his advantage by winning Skate America at Reading, Pennsylvania.

Mike wins Bronze at Skating Classic

Michael Weiss finished third in the Campbell’s International Figure Skating Classic at New York’s Madison Square Garden Friday night, Oct. 3.

He plays hockey, too!

Mike scrimmages with the Langley high school hockey team.

See "Mike the Carpenter" at work

Michael discusses new programs, new judging

The new scoring system should be interesting. I know that I definitely am not short of counters, rockers, brackets and choctaws!

Capezio Skatewear Catalog Features Michael

Capezio Ballet Makers Inc. debuts its 2003/04 Skatewear Catalog this month, and with it, officially kicks off its new partnership with U.S. figure skating champion, Michael Weiss.

Listen to Mike's interview on Sports Byline with Ron Barr.

Michael announces 2003-2004 schedule

Hometown crowd appreciates Mike

Michael Weiss, encouraged by a remarkable season, has announced that, "I'm staying in." Michael finished a disappointing fifth in the World Championship in his hometown of Washington, D.C., after a stunning start, winning his qualifying round. "It was just one of those night," Michael said.

Michael to compete in Figure Skating Challenge

Mike will be competing in the ABC Sports International Figure Skating Challenge April 8 in Bridgeport, Conn.

Michael accepts challenge to race a fan

Three-time U.S. National Champion Michael Weiss, a two-time World bronze medalist (2000 & 1999), was happy to accept a challenge by Ashley, an eight-year-old skater for a winner-take-all one lap race.

A hometown World Championship for Mike

Mike had a blast on Family Feud!

Michael wins third national title

Michael won his third U.S. title at the National Championships held in Dallas, Texas.

Michael appears on "Crossing Over"

Michael was a guest on the "Crossing Over" show.

Michael in Zurich for Art on Ice

Michael performing in Art on Ice in Switzerland.

Michael wins Silver; audiences gives him Gold

Michael Weiss unleashed his "Tornado", won over the crowd but finished a surprising second at the Hallmark Skaters Championship Saturday night, Dec. 14, at Columbus, Ohio.

Michael wins Silver at Skating Challenge!

Michael finished second in one of the strongest fields of the season Friday night, Dec. 13, at the Crest Whitestrips Figure Skating Challenge at Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Michael wins Trophee Lalique!

Michael Weiss had a celebration planned for after the men’s competition at Trophee Lalique at Paris Saturday, Nov. 16. A bottle of champagne awaited Michael and a trip atop the Eiffel Tower if he won. He did.

Laws assumes full-time coaching duties

Two-time U.S. Olympian Michael Weiss, also a two-time U.S. National Champion and World bronze medalist (2000 & 1999), announced today that he has made a coaching change, and will now be working with Don Laws on a full-time basis.

Michael delivers strong free skate

Michael Weiss wasn’t totally happy with his fourth place finish at the Bofrost Cup (Nation’s Cup) Nov. 10 at Gelsenkirchen, Germany, but he was pleased with how he fought back to just miss the medal stand.

Michael fifth at Skate America

Two-time U.S. champion Michael Weiss finished fifth at Skate America Saturday night, October 26, in Spokane, Washington.

Mike finishes impressive 3rd at Pro-Am

Michael's performance in Pro-Am bring standing ovation.

Michael Weiss finished third in his first competition of the season and was the only skater to get a standing ovation in the men’s competition at Daytona Beach, Fla.The Campbell’s International Figure Skating Classic Pro-Am was the first competition of the season featuring a lineup of the elite men skaters in the world.

ISU approves new Freedom Blade

The "Freedom Blade" , an innovative blade for figure skaters, has been approved by the International Skating Union. By gaining ISU’s approval, that makes the blade available to every skater.

Mike to remain eligible
for amateur competition

The two-time U.S. National Champion and 2002 Olympic Team member has officially announced he will remain eligible for amateur competition during the 2002-2003 season.

Mike has fun with new blade

Two-time National Champion Michael Weiss was among a group of skaters who were selected to help promote the 2003 U.S. National Championships during his stop in Dallas during the Champions On Ice Tour recently.

Friendships develop and skaters
become more of a family on tour