Brian Boitano, who was named as a delegate of the Sochi Winter Olympics for the United States, has come out as gay.
Boitano won gold in the 1988 Olympics for figure skating, reports USA Today. The 50-year-old said in a statement, "I am many things: a son, a brother, and uncle, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an author, and being gay is just one part of who I am."
His statement continued, "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance. As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sports by peoples of all nations."
Boitano joins openly gay tennis player Billie Jean King as part of the opening ceremony delegation, while two-time Olympic medalist for ice hockey Caitlin Cahow is a delegate for the closing ceremony.
Two days ago, it was reported that President Barack Obama would not be attending the Winter Olympics, likely as a message towards Russia's anti-gay propaganda law.
In his place, the president was sending several openly gay athletes along with former Secretary of Homeland Security Janet A. Napolitano, Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns and others.