Just days after President Obama named Brian Boitano to the official U.S. delegation for the 2014 Sochi Olympics, the 1988 figure skating gold medalist announced that he is gay.

"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 said in a statement. 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."

Boitano was selected by the president to represent the United States of America along with two-time U.S. ice hockey Olympic medalist, Caitlin Cahow and tennis legend Billie Jean, both of whom are also openly gay. 

The 50-year-old said he's proud to be chosen to represent the American delegation as a former Olympic athlete, but revealed he has always reserved his "private life for my family and friends and will continue to do so."

Boitano did not reveal if or who is dating, but isn't the first celebrity to come out this year. Darren Young became the first openly gay WWE Pro Wrestler when he came out back in August.

Earlier this year Robbie Rogers revealed he was homosexual, marking him the first openly gay soccer player, while Jason Collins became the first NBA player to come out.

Collins previosuly dated former WNBA player Carolyn Moos before calling off their engagement in 2009. 

"It's very emotional for me as a woman to have invested [eight] years in my dream to have a husband, soul mate, and best friend in him. So this is all hard to understand," Moos said. "I care about [Jason] tremendously and only want the best for him. I want Jason to be happy for a lifetime and stay true to who he really is, inside and out."

Tags: Brian Boitano