Figure Skater Brian Boitano Comes Out as Gay

Figure skater Brian Boitano has publicly come out as gay, days after being named to President Obama's official Olympic delegation for the upcoming winter games in Sochi.

"I am many things: a son, a brother, and uncle, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an author, and being gay is just one part of who I am," Boitano, 50, said in a statement, as reported by NBC Sports. "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance. As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations."

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Boitano's remarks come two days after President Obama named him, as well as openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow, to the United States' official Olympic Delegation. Obama's move is widely seen as an attempt to push back against Russia's controversial anti-gay laws.

Boitano won a gold medal in the 1988 Olympics.