Figure skater Brian Boitano has
announced that he's gay.
“While I am proud to play a public
role in representing the American Olympic Delegation as a former
Olympic athlete, I have always reserved my private life for my family
and friends and will continue to do so,” Boitano wrote in a
statement released Thursday. “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.”
The 50-year-old Boitano is among the 10
people heading to Russia to represent the United States at the Winter
Olympics to be held in Sochi.
Previous to Boitano's announcement, the
presidential delegation included two openly gay athletes: tennis
legend Billie Jean King and hockey player Caitlin Cahow.
(Realted: Neither
Obama nor Biden to attend Winter Olympics in Russia.)
Boitano's complete statement follows.
“I am currently skating in Europe but
want to provide a statement regarding my appointment to the Olympic
delegation. I have been fortunate to represent the United States of
America in three different Olympics, and now I am honored to be part
of the presidential delegation to the Olympics in Sochi. It has been
my experience from competing around the world and in Russia that
Olympic athletes can come together in friendship, peace and mutual
respect regardless of their individual country's practices.”
“It is my desire to be defined by my
achievements and my contributions. While I am proud to play a public
role in representing the American Olympic Delegation as a former
Olympic athlete, I have always reserved my private life for my family
and friends and will continue to do so. 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. 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
sport by peoples of all nations.”