WASHINGTON (AP) — Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will lead the U.S. delegation to the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics next year in Sochi, Russia.
The White House says tennis champion Billie Jean King and U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul will join the opening ceremony delegation. So will figure skater Brian Boitano and presidential adviser Rob Nabors.
Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns will lead the closing ceremony delegation. He’ll be joined by McFaul, Olympic medal-winners Bonnie Blair, a speed skater; Caitlin Cahow, an ice hockey player; and Eric Heiden, a speed skater.
The list includes openly gay athletes, including King. Gay rights groups have urged the Obama administration to use the delegation selection to make a point about Russia’s treatment of gays and lesbians.
