Johnny Weir Taking A Break From Figure Skating

When professional figure skating kicks off a new season this fall, it’ll be doing so without some of the most flamboyant costumes known to man.

Olympic skater Johnny Weir announced Thursday that he’ll be taking a year off from competitive skating in order to focus on other projects, including his network reality show, a memoir to be published by Gallery Books, and the release of his debut dance album.

“I would like to officially announce that I am withdrawing my name from from the 2010-2011 competitive season. My decision comes months after weighing the pros and cons of competing this season,” said Weir, 26. “I have decided that I need a year to explore and reinvent myself as an athlete and artist.”

Don’t expect to catch the outspoken spokesman — or any of his lovable outfits — participating in any skating spectaculars for at least the next 12 months, the Ice King reveals. Weir says that he’ll instead be turning his focus to recording his new single, “Dirty Love,” launching his fashion line “Be Unique,” and the second season of his reality series, Be Good Johnny Weir.

“The main reason for my decision is to have more time to reinvent my skating,” Weir continued. “I want to create a new skating image for myself so that when I return to competitive skating, I can perform in a way that is both unique and inspiring. I say all of this in hopes that I will return as a competitor for the 2011-2012 season.”

Johnny, who began skating competitively at 16, hopes to be back on the ice in time to compete for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.