Brian Boitano Comes Out

Brian Boitano Comes Out, Olympic figure skating champion came out Thursday, two days after he was named to the U.S. delegation for Sochi along with openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow. The 1988 gold medalist had always kept his personal life private, saying in a statement that "being gay is just one part of who I am." However, President Barack Obama's decision to include openly gay athletes in the delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies -- and not send high-ranking officials -- was widely seen as a message to Russia about its treatment of gays and lesbians. "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance," Boitano said in his statement. "As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit, which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations." Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national law banning "gay propaganda," and some suggested the United States should boycott the Sochi Games in protest. Obama rejected that idea earlier this year, saying a stronger statement could be made by "gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze." But his choices for the U.S. delegation left little doubt about Obama's disapproval of the new Russian law.