Family Emergency Forces Billie Jean King To Miss Sochi Olympics

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 6th February 2014

OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2006 US OPEN TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Family Emergency Forces Billie Jean King To Miss Sochi Olympics

epa00804027 Tennis great Billie Jean King acknowledges the crowd during the opening ceremony of the 2006 US Open tennis tournament at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York, Monday 28 August 2006. During the ceremony the USTA National Tennis Center was renamed in honor of King for her accomplishments in the sport. EPA/JUSTIN LANE |

President Barack Obama intended the appointment of tennis legend Billie Jean King as one of two United States delegates for the Winter Olympics in Sochi as a clear message of contempt for Russia’s anti-gay legislation. Now sadly King will not be able to attend because of ill health to her 91 year-old mother.

Russia has come under fierce criticism for passing national laws banning “gay propaganda”.King, along with ice hockey player Caitlin Cahow who won bronze medal at the 2006 games in Turin, were two openly gay athletes in the US delegation for the opening and closing ceremonies. For the first time since 2000 the US is not sending a President, former President, First Lady or Vice-President to the games.

However late Wednesday Sochi time, King informed the Associated Press on Wednesday that because of her mother Betty’s “failing health, she would not be able to attend tomorrow’s (Friday) opening ceremony.

Mrs. Moffitt lives in Arizona and has been ill for some time but BJK has decided her first duty is to be at her mother’s bedside along with brother Randy, a former pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.

“It is important for me to be with my mother and my brother at this difficult time,” said King in a statement, issued by her long–time publicist Tip Nunn. “I want to thank President Obama for including me in this historic mission and I look forward to supporting our athletes as they compete in Sochi.”

King wrote an opinion piece for CNN on Jan. 28 ahead of the Olympics about the delegation. She said the most important part wasn’t the simple fact that it includes both gay and straight representatives, but rather that it showcases the diversity of the country.

King insisted she didn’t plan to protest, demonstrate or otherwise make the focus about herself. Rather, she was hoping to make an impact by showing support for the gay community in Russia, leading to potential progress around the globe:

She said: “While I am not planning to protest or demonstrate, I am concerned with the treatment of the Lesbian, Gay. Bisexual and Transgender community in Russia and throughout the world. I want the LGBT community living in Russia to know they are not alone and I hope others realize this is not only a gay rights issue, but a global concern for human rights and equality.

“As I said when I was named to the U.S. delegation, I hope these Olympics will be a watershed moment for the universal acceptance of all people.”

The White House, spokesman Shin Inouye said President Obama is extending his thoughts and prayers to King and her family at this difficult time.

Topics: 10sballs, Barack Obama, Billie Jean King, Sochi Olympics, Tennis, Tennis News