Greg Louganis urges American athletes to protest Russia's anti-gay law

Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis called for U.S. Olympic athletes to dedicate their performances at the Winter Games in Sochi, Russia, to gay and lesbian friends and relatives.

The former Olympic diver urged the dedication as a way to protest Russia's anti-gay laws that ban "homosexual propaganda" in front of minors, USA Today reported.

Louganis, who married his partner, Johnny Chaillot, in October, said he remains against a boycott of the games because he believes it would "hurt the wrong people," or elite athletes who have trained their whole lives for a shot to participate.

Human Rights First last month petitioned U.S. President Barack Obama to include prominent LGBT people in the official U.S. delegation in Sochi. Louganis said he would interested in going if selected.

"If it would be helpful, I would be there in a heartbeat," Louganis said. "If I would be a distraction, that's my concern. I don't want to be a distraction. But if there's any way I can be of benefit, focusing a light on injustice, then I'll be there. I just heard today that my name is in the mix for potentially going. I was like, really? I'm a Summer Olympian. But I think I am pretty level-headed. I have not heard from anyone officially, so it was news to me."