By Duncan Mackay

Olympic gold medallist Brian Boitano has come out after being named as part of the White House delegation that will represent the US Government at Sochi 2014 ©Getty ImagesDecember 19 - Olympic figure skating gold medallist Brian Boitano today came out as gay today two days after he was announced as being part of a delegation to represent the United States Government at Sochi 2014.


The White House party already included Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow, two lesbians. 

Boitano, the Calgary 1988 gold medallist had always kept his personal life private, claim that "being gay is just one part of who I am."

But the selection of the White House delegation seems to have been chosen to send a pointed message to Russia over its controversial anti-gay propaganda law introduced earlier this year. 

"First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance," Boitano, the last American to win the men's Olympic title until Evan Lysacek at Vancouver 2010, said in a statement.

"As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations."

Brian Boitano won the Olympic gold medal at Calgary 1988 ©AFP/Getty ImagesBrian Boitano won the Olympic gold medal at Calgary 1988 ©AFP/Getty Images

Cahow, who herself had come out last month, claimed Boitano's decision to keep his sexual orientation private until now was his to make.

"I completely respect that," Cahow told The Associated Press .

"I think each individual has a right to define who they are.

"That's what autonomy is all about.

"I think he and I would agree that our goal is to someday live in a world where these classifications aren't important."

Boitano and King will attend the Opening Ceremony, it has been revealed. 

Cahow, a two-time medallist in women's ice hockey, will attend the Closing Ceremony with Olympic speed skating champions Bonnie Blair and Eric Heiden.

"I have been fortunate to represent the United States of America in three different Olympics, and now I am honoured to be part of the presidential delegation to the Olympics in Sochi," said Boitano.

"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."

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