I'm a fairly new fan as well (seems like there are a lot of us!) The negative press response is, unfortunately, all too predictible. I'm glad at least for the more positive ones posted in this forum (and thanks for the links.)

As for the negative press--honestly, these people should have gotten down on their knees and thanked providence for Johnny, who made their job so easy. All they needed to do was turn on a tape recorder and there were seven or eight funny, insightful, honest and imaginative quotes for them to use :) Even after his depressing experience, he managed to be funny.

And as for "not living up to the hype"--what utter bs. Johnny never hyped himself as a great American medal hope. In fact, just the opposite. He was always cautious as far as predicting anything along those lines. It was the press that did the hyping.

Oh well. This too shall pass. I'm hoping for many more years of gorgeous skating and entertainment (both on and off the ice) from Johnny. What the one reporter said was so true--American figure skating (and men's figure skating, in particular) is in need of a star, not just a champion. And, win or not, Johnny is a star.

This is a lovely site, btw. I've really enjoyed reading all of your accounts of different events and experiences. Sorry I haven't posted before. I'm a bit shy :) Hope I'll be able to see Johnny skate in person in the future.