Louganis speaks on gay life
By Andrew Marnell | May 17, 2001In an interview with The Dartmouth as well as in a speech to students in Alumni Hall last night, Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis spoke of his life as an elite diver as well as his experiences following his athletic career as an HIV positive gay male in the public spotlight. Widely considered one of the best divers of all-time, Louganis spoke of his years of training and dedication to the sport -- a dedication that led him to win gold medals in both the 1988 and 1984 summer Olympic games as well as a silver medal in 1976 at the age of 16. But his years as a diver certainly weren't easy. Louganis remembers anti-gay sentiment amongst team members, including what he described as a "fagbuster" campaign by members of the team directed against homosexuals. Still, Louganis said he was able to block out much of the rhetoric, focusing instead on the sport and proving himself to be a fierce competitor. "I always wanted my diving to speak for itself, I didn't want to have to speak for my diving," he said regarding his desire to prove himself based on his athletic ability and not have his sexuality become a factor. Later, Louganis grappled with being diagnosed as HIV positive in the months leading up to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.