Johnny Weir is a two-time Olympian and three-time U.S. figure skating champion who found his perfect professional match in Olympic gold medalist Tara Lipinski. Together, they’ve become one of television’s most recognizable sports duos, from Olympic broadcasts to Peacock’s “The Traitors.” Here’s what you need to know.
1. Johnny Weir & Tara Lipinski Hid Their Bond on ‘The Traitors’
When Weir and Lipinski joined season 4 of “The Traitors” as Faithfuls, they intentionally downplayed their friendship.
“We were afraid to be too close to each other too often,” Weir told Sports Illustrated. “It was so strange being in the same room but not holding hands.”
Lipinski admitted they relied on subtle signals. “We had eye movements we would do at the round table to communicate,” she said. “At this point, we are telepathic!”
Their strategy worked. According to Weir, “We are lucky none of the players knew how close we were.”
2. Tara Lipinski Became the Youngest Olympic Gold Medalist
Lipinski dominated women’s figure skating in the late 1990s. In 1997, at age 14, she became the youngest U.S. champion. One year later, she won gold at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, becoming the youngest Olympic gold medalist in figure skating history.
She later turned professional and retired from competition in 2002. Her technical achievements included landing seven triple jumps and a signature triple loop–triple loop combination.
3. Johnny Weir’s Competitive Edge Shapes His Game
Weir rose to prominence after Lipinski retired. He won three consecutive U.S. titles and earned bronze at the 2008 World Championships. He competed in the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics and retired in 2013 after injuries halted a comeback attempt.
“Our athletic backgrounds will always be our secret weapon,” Weir said. “You learn a lot about yourself very quickly.”
That mindset translated directly into their strategic thinking on “The Traitors.”
4. Tara Lipinski & Johnny Weir Reconnected in the Booth
Though both skated for Team USA, they did not form a friendship during their competitive years.
“Obviously, we knew of each other,” Lipinski told People. “But we never really had time to connect.”
They bonded while working on separate commentary assignments. “We started bonding over his handbag and my handbag,” Lipinski recalled. “It was just this instantaneous connection.”
They officially teamed up for NBC’s 2014 Winter Olympics coverage and have worked together ever since.
5. Johnny Weir & Tara Lipinski Support Each Other Off Camera
Lipinski lives in Los Angeles with husband Todd Kapostasy and their daughter, Georgie. She has openly discussed fertility struggles, writing on Instagram about the five-year journey before welcoming her daughter via surrogacy.
Weir, who lives near Philadelphia, previously navigated a public divorce from Victor Voronov.
Through personal highs and lows, they’ve remained close. As Lipinski put it, “We know each other so well.”
