Billie Jean King to attend Winter Olympic closing ceremony
Retired Tennis champion Billie Jean King is now set to attend the closing ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics as part of the US delegation following the death of her mother.
However, earlier this month it was announced she would not be attending the Winter Olympics opening ceremony over her mother’s illness.
According to AFP, the White House has now once more named King as part of an updated five-member delegation to represent the United States at the closing ceremony.
Her inclusion follows reports of her mother’s passing last week in Prescott, Arizona.
The gay former tennis player has been outspoken in her opposition to Russia’s anti-gay laws, although last month warned LGBT campaigners to think twice before demonstrating at the Sochi Games.
On her decision to initially accept her part as a US delegate, she said: “It sends a strong message that America is very diverse. We are here, and surrogates as athletes and gay athletes. We reflect part of America. Maybe we’ll be a voice for people who don’t feel they can be a voice yet.”
