Boitano never planned gay announcement

Boston (AP) — Brian Boitano never intended to publicly reveal he is gay until he was chosen for the U.S. Olympic delegation by President Barack Obama last month.

Calling himself "a private guy," Boitano told The Associated Press on Thursday that he never planned to come out. But moments before his presence on the delegation was revealed, Boitano realized what a powerful statement the president was making.

Obama chose openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow for the delegation, as well. Boitano said his decision to say "being gay is just one part of who I am" in a statement on Dec. 19 "literally came to fruition" moments before the White House announced the makeup of the delegation.

The 1988 Olympic gold medalist hopes other countries will make similar endorsements of an open way of life by who represents them at Sochi.

by Barry Wilner, AP Sports Writer

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The Gayly – January 10, 2014 @ 8:50am