(ATR) The United States government delegation at the Sochi Olympics will be represented by two openly gay athletes.
Late Tuesday night, U.S. President Barack Obama announced the delegation for the U.S. government.
Janet Napolitano, the current chancellor of the University of California, will lead the delegation at the opening ceremony. She previously served as Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. She will be joined by Billie Jean King, who is openly gay. Deputy Secretary of State William Burns will lead the closing ceremony delegation. Caitlin Cahow, a former U.S. women’s ice hockey team member who is also gay, will be part of the closing ceremony team.
This will mark the first time since the 2000 Summer Olympics that no President, First Lady, Vice President or former President will lead the U.S. Olympic delegation. The Sydney Olympics took place during the height of the U.S. Presidential campaign.
The White House did not mention the sexual preference of King or Cahow when announcing the delegation.
Cahow was quoted telling USA Today the decision by Obama is "obviously a statement" adding "I think it’s an incredibly respectful one."
"Basically, the White House is highlighting Americans who know what it means to have freedoms and liberties under the constitution. That’s really what we’re representing in Sochi and it’s not at all different from what’s espoused in the spirit of Olympism."
Russia came under fire for its controversial law banning gay "propaganda."
The decision from the White House isthe latest in a series of decisions from world leaders who have decided to skip the Sochi Olympics. Traditionally, heads of state or government attend the Olympics as a sign of diplomatic goodwill. Any decisions to skip the Games have been read as a rebuke of Russia’s policies.
U.S. Olympic Committee spokesman Patrick Sandusky said in a statement: "An impressive group of officials and iconic athletes will represent our government at the upcoming Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. We’re honored to assist their participation in any way that we can and certain that America’s elite athletes will put on a great show."
Written by Ed Hula III.
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