Olympic figure skating champion Brian Boitano came out on Thursday, two days after he was named to the U.S. delegation for Sochi along with openly gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow. The 1988 gold medallist had always kept his personal life private, saying in a statement that "being gay is just one part of who I am." But President Barack Obamas decision to include openly gay athletes in the delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies -- and not send high-ranking officials -- was widely seen as a message to Russia about its treatment of gays and lesbians. "First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance," Boitano said in his statement. "As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations." Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning "gay propaganda," and some suggested the United States should boycott the Sochi Olympics in protest. Obama rejected that idea earlier this year, saying a stronger statement could be made by "gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold or silver or bronze." But his choices for the U.S. delegation left little doubt about Obamas disapproval of the new Russian law. For the first time since 2000, the U.S. will not send a president, former president, first lady or vice-president to the Olympics. This years group is led by former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, and others in the delegation include U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul, deputy Secretary of State William Burns and presidential adviser Rob Nabors. Of the five athletes in the delegation, three -- Boitano, King and Cahow -- are openly gay. Boitano and King will attend the opening ceremony. Cahow, a two-time medallist in womens hockey, will attend the closing ceremony with Olympic speed skating champions Bonnie Blair and Eric Heiden. "I have been fortunate to represent the United States of America in three different Olympics, and now I am honoured to be part of the presidential delegation to the Olympics in Sochi," Boitano, who is in Europe, said in his statement. "It has been my experience from competing around the world and in Russia that Olympic athletes can come together in friendship, peace and mutual respect regardless of their individual countrys practices." Earlier this month, IOC President Thomas Bach said Russia would set up public protest zones in Sochi for "people who want to express their opinion or want to demonstrate for or against something." Meanwhile, the IOC approved a letter going out to athletes reminding them to refrain from protests or political gestures during the Sochi Games -- reiterating Rule 50 of the Olympic charter, which forbids demonstrations on Olympic grounds. Bach previously said hed received assurances from Russian President Vladimir Putin that gays will not be discriminated against in Sochi. But the Russian law has raised questions about what could happen to athletes who wear pins or badges or carry flags supporting gay rights. . Carey Price didnt, but he still came out on top against one of his rivals for the No. 1 job at the Sochi Games. The Anahim Lake, B.C., native was stellar in making 39 saves in his home province and Lars Eller got credit for a bizarre short-handed winner as the Canadiens defeated the Canucks 4-1. [url=http://www.goedkoopsportschoenen.nl/nike-air-max-command.html]Nike Air Max Command Blauw . 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Air Max 90 Heren Outlet . -- The goal posts lying flat on the field, Arizonas fans lingered on the field, congregating around the locker room entrance nearly 30 minutes after rushing out of the stands. Nike Air Max 2015 Zwart . The veteran safety was a starter for the Bengals from 2008-2012. He totaled 41 tackles and three interceptions while starting all but four of the 13 games he played last season.DETROIT -- The Washington Capitals are the latest team to take advantage of the Detroit Red Wings generosity at home. Nicklas Backstrom scored the only goal of the shootout, and the Capitals rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat the Red Wings 4-3 on Friday night. It was the Detroits seventh consecutive home loss and its 11th straight overtime loss at Joe Louis Arena. "Very surprising. It just goes to show you how fickle the game is," said Washington coach Adam Oates, who began his Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit in the mid-1980s. "The same team could win a zillion in a row." Brooks Laich, and Alex Ovechkin added goals, and Michale Latta scored his first in the NHL for Washington. Braden Holtby made 30 saves. The Capitals rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the third period to tie the game and send it into overtime. "Its a huge win. Thats a good team," said Ovechkin, who trimmed the led to 3-2 early in the third. "Everyone knows what they have out there and how good they are. They got a 3-1 lead, and we kept pushing." Johan Franzen had two goals and an assist, and Danny DeKeyser had a goal and an assist for Detroit. Jakub Kindl had two assists, and Jimmy Howard made 34 saves. "Same thing, same outcome but we cant get frustrated, cant get discouraged," Howard said. "Somehow, some way keep a positive mind frame in here and just continue to keep going out there and working because were doing a lot of good things. "Its tough to take over a game for a full 60 minutes. Theres going to be waves and ups and downs. Mistakes happen, were just going to have to find a way to overcome them." Latta tied it 3-3 with 8:06 left in regulation when he poked in a loose puck from just outside the slot. "Obbviously nice to get it when it meant so much, and not a 7-0 game," Latta said.dddddddddddd Ovechkin had brought Washington within 3-2 at 3:19 of the third period with his 15th goal. He beat Howard with a one-timed shot from the bottom of the left circle. DeKeysers power-play goal with 18 seconds remaining in the second period gave Detroit a 3-1 lead. He put in a one-timed shot from the right circle for his second goal. Holtby made a spectacular toe save -- with the puck right along the goal line -- on Tomas Tatars wraparound attempt with 5:50 left in the first period. Laich opened the scoring 5:50 into the game when he backhanded in his own rebound after skating in off the right wing following a turnover by DeKeyser in the neutral zone. Franzen then scored twice to put Detroit ahead. His power-play goal with 4:08 left in the first tied it at 1. He beat Holtby with a screened snap shot from the left circle. Franzen struck again with 2:18 left when he put in a one-timed shot from the bottom of the left circle for his fourth goal of the season. NOTES: Red Wings RW Daniel Alfredsson was a late scratch because of a sore groin. ... Capitals D Mike Green didnt play dues to a lower-body injury. ... Detroit D Jonathan Ericsson returned after missing 10 games with a separated shoulder. ... Washington D Steve Oleksy is from the Detroit-area suburb of Macomb. ... Red Wings RW Patrick Eaves cleared waivers on Friday and was sent to Grand Rapids of the AHL. Detroit also sent C Luke Glendening to Grand Rapids. ... Capitals rookie RW Tom Wilson and backup goalie Michal Neuvirth both played junior hockey with the Ontario Hockey leagues Plymouth Whalers, who are based in suburban Detroit. ... 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