Focus On The Rainbow

I came across an article over the weekend at the OC Register about Greg Louganis and his reflection on his life as he nears 50.

After years of turmoil about being a closeted gay, his strive for excellence in the Olympics and an abusive relationship, one can be nothing but happy for him that he has finally found peace with himself , his life and future.

Before it was “fashionable” to come out, and at the great possibility of losing endorsements, Louganis announced in 1995 he was HIV-positive and wrote his autobiography “Breaking The Surface”.

Before his HIV status became public, He considered injecting himself with a syringe full of air, with one burst blowing away all his demons once and for all. He had a change of heart and slowly came to grips with his disease, only a small group of friends aware of his secret, according to the article at the OC Register.

While it’s not easy for anyone to be in the closet, throw into the mix being of celebrity status and having the knowledge you are HIV-postive with very few people you can trust to talk about your overall situation in life, Louganis certainly deserves another gold medal for making it as far as he has.

Good guys always finish first, it may take awhile, but nonetheless they succeed.

Writer’s Note – This was published at Focus On The Rainbow/Hearst on July 27, 2009 with the original title “Greg Louganis …. One Of The Good Guys”. You’ll find a link to Louganis’ website here.