Part of U.S. delegation for Sochi, figure skater Brian Boitano says he's gay

Former Olympian Brian Boitano smiles in the stands during the men's singles competition at the U.S. figure skating championships in Spokane, Wash., on Jan. 15, 2010. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)

Two days after being named to the U.S. delegation for Sochi, Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano has announced he is gay.

But the 1988 gold medalist says Thursday in a statement that "being gay is just one part of who I am. ... I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations."

Boitano joins Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow as openly gay athletes in the U.S. delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies. Including them is widely seen as a message from the White House to Russia about its treatment of gays and lesbians. President Barack Obama will not attend the Sochi Olympics, nor will First Lady Michelle Obama or Vice President Joe Biden.