![]() ![]() ![]() It was a compelling story, yet one hidden from the public because Louganis was not yet out. That shows guts, determination and toughness, all qualities that the stereotypes say gay men could not have in athletics. Imagine competing knowing you have just tested positive for a disease that at the time was considered a death sentence. Yet he came back with a clutch performance to win the gold in the springboard. He then hit his head on a nasty dive in the prelims that required five stitches. In Seoul he competed despite testing positive for HIV prior to the Games and briefly thinking about backing out. Louganis’ status as a sports superstar was assured by his winning two gold medals in two consecutive Olympics - 19. Louganis attended the Games competition as a diving judge. I was among those at the ceremony at Columbia University who cheered wildly when he appeared on the video screen to deliver his message. ![]() It did not make his statement at the Gay Games any less powerful. While it might have been Louganis’ official public coming out, his being gay was long rumored in the sports world. “Welcome to the Gay Games, it’s great to be out and proud.” With those words, gold medal Olympic diver Greg Louganis delivered a message to the Opening Ceremonies of Gay Games IV in New York. ![]()
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