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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. Phillip Lindsay Womens Jersey . - Erick Torres scored his 10th goal of the season on a stunning volley, and Chivas USA edged 10-man Real Salt Lake 1-0 on Saturday night. Shannon Sharpe Jersey .C. -- Lucy Li made two double bogeys, a triple bogey and finished her historic round at the U. http://www.thebroncosstoreonline.com/Youth-Terrell-Davis-Broncos-Jerseys/ . Although head coach Randy Carlyle jokingly wondered how much actual training Bolland got done while in London. "I dont know how much training goes on when you go back to the junior team that you played for so I wouldnt read too much into that," laughed Carlyle after the Maple Leafs were put through an up-tempo practice that concluded with a 10-minute bag skate on Thursday. DeMarcus Ware Jersey . Off-Season Game Plan looks at the Capitals possible summer plans, with the understanding that its tough to plot a direction without a general manager or head coach around which to set those expectations. Gary Zimmerman Womens Jersey . The San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders are giving it a try, too. OTTAWA -- Erik Karlsson says hed be glad to take on the added responsibility that comes with being the new captain of the Ottawa Senators. Hed also be perfectly happy if the team decides to go in another direction. "Obviously its something I wouldnt say no to (but) its not something Im going to ask for," the star defenceman said Monday. "I think whoever takes that decision is going to make the right one and whether its me or someone else I think its going to be good for the team and good for the organization." The Senators are once again in search of a new captain as Jason Spezza -- who replaced longtime captain Daniel Alfredsson -- was traded to the Dallas Stars this past summer. Spezza wore the "C" for just one season before requesting a trade from Senators management. "As a friend point of view its sad to see him go and I wish him all the best," Karlsson said. "Its part of the business unfortunately. Hes been here for a long time and felt that he needed to move on. Its just one of those things you learn to deal with as a professional athlete." Despite the loss of Spezzas leadership and offensive abilities, Karlsson thinks the team can improve from last seasons 11th place finish in the Eastern Conference. "Its going to be a change, but at the same time I think the group we have is developing," Karlsson said. "Even though we kind of had a bad year last year I think were going to be a better team this year with or without (Spezza). I think everyone is motivated coming back and someone is going to have to step up, but thats part of the business as well. You have to give the new guys the opportunity to shine and hopefully someone will take it." Karlsson finished last season with 20 goals and 74 points through 82 games, but was far from satisfied with his performance. He worked hard during the off-season, made longer by the fact the Senators missed the playoffs, and says he feels great and is looking forward to getting back on the ice. "This summers been really good for me," he said. "Sad to say the long summers probably done me good for my own interest and Ive made a lot of progress from last year. I feel way better now than I did at this point last year and I really feel that everything is starting to connect more." The 24-year-old admitted he didnt feel good about his game last season and wants to try and return to the form that saw him win the Norris Trophy in 2013.dddddddddddd "Im extremely excited about my own game and the teams game and where its going to take us," Karlsson said. "Right now I feel fresh and I feel like Im in a place in my life, on and off the ice, where Im happy about myself and Im excited moving forward and theres a lot of small things that I know I need to take care of on the ice to be a better player and I think Im up to date on what I need to do." Karlsson seemed more at peace and confident with himself, and it appears a tumultuous season last year helped the young defenceman mature. Last season saw Karlsson dealing with a divorce, the loss of Alfredsson, as well as close friends Peter Regin and Jakob Silfverberg, and recovering from the Achilles injury. "Everything bad comes with some good right, thats normally what they say," Karlsson said. "Ive learned a lot from last year and theres a lot of things you dont want to go through again and some things that take some time to pick up what you need to do better. I think last year in the long run is going to do us good." While Karlsson was already considered a star, he will likely come under even closer scrutiny this season with Spezzas departure. In the end it was that scrutiny that proved to be too much for Spezza, but Karlsson says hes ready and willing to accept it. "Thats how it is playing on a Canadian team and thats what you have to take," Karlsson said. "It comes with its ups and downs and its a great feeling playing for a city where everybody cares so much. Its going to be hard at times and people are going to analyze you for whatever you do." Karlsson admitted there are times he doesnt enjoy the scrutiny, but understands it comes with the territory and says hes learned not to take it too personally. Notes: The Ottawa Senators signed defenceman Mark Borowiecki to a three-year contract extension Monday. The deal has an average annual value of $1.1 million ($1.0 million in 2015-16, $1.1 million in 2016-17 and $1.2 million in 2017-18). Borowiecki played 13 games for the Senators last season and is expected to bring a physical dimension to the Ottawa blue-line. ' ' '