Peter Vidmar Resigns as U.S. Chef de Mission

(ATR) Days after he was named chef de mission for the U.S. team to the 2012 Olympics, Peter Vidmar resigns to dampen controversy for his public opposition to same sex marriage in California.

Widmar, 49, a double gold medalist in gymnastics in 1984, contributed $2,000 to the 2008 campaign for a statewide proposition defining marriage as between a man and women. Vidmar is a devout Mormon.

Chicago Tribune reporter Phil Hersh reported Vidmar’s involvement with the campaign yesterday. Today Vidmar said he was not interested in dealing with the distractions the controversy would have on the U.S. team to London.

``I wish that my personal religious beliefs would not have become a distraction from the amazing things that are happening in the Olympic movement in the United States. I simply cannot have my presence become a detriment to the U.S. Olympic family," said Vidmar in a statement issued late Friday by the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Vidmar had been named chef de mission on April 28.

"Peter is respected the world-over for his dedication and commitment to the Olympic Movement and is rightly considered one of America's great Olympic champions. I believe Peter would have served our athletes well, but given the nature of this issue, I certainly respect his decision to resign," said USOC CEO Scott Blackmun in the USOC statement.

In Hersh’s May 5 report, Vidmar defended his decision to support the successful proposition, but figure skater Johnny Weirwas quotef saying it was "disgraceful" for Vidmar to receive such a prestigious post.

Blackmun says the search for a new chef de mission is now open.

"As we look toward London 2012 and the selection of Peter's replacement, we'll do so with the sole intent of showcasing America's best and brightest stars and the inspirational story that each member of our Olympic team has to share."

Written by Ed Hula.