MY SUPPORT SYSTEM

Mike's biggest supporters are his wife, Lisa; daughter, Annie Mae; and son, Christopher. Christopher made this clear in a poster he did for school: "Someday when I'm all grown up, You're what I want to be Then I'll have a little child who'll want to follow me!" by Christopher Weiss

I enjoy the dedication of my "support system," composed of my family and training staff. My rise in the skating world and my satisfaction with my life and skating are due in large part to this close-knit group.

David Baden of IMG

Don Laws

Mike get a pep talk from Don Laws at the 2003 U.S. National Championships. Mike won the Gold Medal.

Michael Weiss and Don Laws have worked together part-time for a couple of months when it was decided after Skate America that Law would work with Weiss full-time.

Don Laws is best known for guiding Scott Hamilton to the Olympic gold medal in 1984.

Laws was inducted into the U.S. Hall of Fame in 2001. He is the skating director at the Gardens Ice House, a state-of-the-art facility in Laurel, Maryland. The facility features three ice rinks, a fully equipped health club, a pro shop and a ballet room.

Weiss travels to Laurel four days a week and Laws works with Weiss in Reston, Virginia occasionally during the week.

Laws was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year as a competitor and administrator. He and partner Mary Firth were the 1950 U.S. junior dance champions. A longtime member of both the USFSA and Professional Coaches Association (PSA), Laws has served on numerous organizational committees including serving as president of the PSA. Laws is co-chair on the International Skating Union’s coaches committee.

Laws is mild-mannered and low key and he helps his skaters feel secure and confident of their talent.

Lisa Thornton Weiss

My wife, Lisa, received her BS in Social Work (with a minor in dance) from West Virginia University while on a dance scholarship. She earned her Master's degree from the George Washington University, then worked at MCI where she tallied numerous sales awards. She is currently a stay-at-home mom for our 2 children. Lisa also choreographs my programs.

Lisa has taught me to feel comfortable performing and presenting to an audience. She has been my biggest supporter and motivator. I have gained a new confidence with my skating. She is there every day after skating to listen and to offer a fresh opinion. She has been the single biggest influence in my most recent skating accomplishments.

During the regular season, Lisa works with me once a week at Gold's Gym, working on my posture, presence and body line to improve my style and character on the ice.

Choreographing a program, we work two to four times a week on and off the ice, perfecting arms, angles and stance.

Once a week, Lisa will come to the rink to see whether there are areas in the program that she would like to alter or elaborate on. Then, at the gym, we concentrate on those areas.

Programs Choreographed:

2005-2006 -- "5th Symphony" by Beethoven; "Moonlight Sonato" by Beethoven' "Ode to Joy" by Beethoven -- Long Program
2005-2006 -- "La donna e mobile" by Verdi -- Short Program
2004-2005 -- Led Zepplin, Stairway to Heaven; Led Zepplin, Bonzo's Mantra; Metallica, Unforgiven -- Long Program
2004-2005 -- Henry V, movie soundtrack -- Short Program
2002 -- Rolling Stones - Exhibition
2002 -- Rock n Roll Medley - Short Program
2002 -- Malaguena - Long Program
2001 -- Backstreet Boys - Show
2001 -- Malaguena - Short Program
2001 -- Puccini - Long Program
2000 -- William Tell Overture - Long Program
2000 -- Taras Bulba - Short Program
1999 -- Long Program - Carmen Medley
1999 -- new short program
1998 -- Beethoven Olympic free skating program
1998 -- Greased Lightning show program
1998 -- When a Man Loves a Woman show program
1997 -- Led Zepplin show program
1996 -- Frankenstein program
1996 -- Adams Family Gomez show program

Mike Cunningham

Mike has been sharpening, fitting and ordering my skates since I began skating. His shop, Skaters' Paradise, is in the Belle View Plaza in Alexandria, VA. He has been a great friend and supporter since the beginning. He is also "the best boot and blade man in the world!" But I am not the only one to sing his praise. He does boots for the world's best, in freestyle, pairs and dance; at international competitions such as Worlds and the Champions on Ice Tour. He also has a shop at the University of Delaware, so he handles all of the international skaters' equipment needs there, as well.

His Virginia phone number is (703) 660-6525

Topher Morrison

Originally from Spokane, Washington, Christopher Morrison, DCH is a professional Hypnotherapist, Certified Master Practitioner & Master Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Since 1989, Topher

Christopher Morrison

has trained thousands of people worldwide, and is acclaimed as a dynamic presenter on a wide array of topics ranging from personal development to team building. Dr. Morrison is internationally recognized for his columns on personal development, keynotes, and leadership training. He is the creator of the MusicTrance series - music specifically created for producing a hypnotic state. His first book on human potential will be released this coming year.

As the External Program Director for American Pacific University, Christopher maintains a rigorous schedule traveling throughout the United States, Canada, and Australia and the U.K. teaching people the importance of hypnosis and the role it plays in overall mind/body health.

Between speaking engagements, Topher resides in Tampa, Florida. He also volunteers his time to the non-profit agency ACEER (Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research) by conducting seminars at schools and organizations, sharing with them the importance of preserving our earth's natural resources.

Margie Weiss, Body by Weiss

Margie Weiss

"If you have skating training questions, or need fitness tips, email my mom, Margie Weiss at margieweiss@cox.net.  She's been training athletes and others for 35 years; Margie is also a Certified personal trainer  and pilates instructor. "

www.bodybyweiss.com