The United States ' delegation to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Russia wo n't include a member of President Barack Obama 's family or an active Cabinet secretary , but it will include openly gay athletes - a clear jab at Russia 's recent anti-gay laws . Billie Jean King , the tennis legend , will join figure skater Brian Boitano at the games ' opening ceremonies on February 7 , the White House said Tuesday . Former Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano , White House aide Rob Nabors and the U.S. ambassador to Russia will round out the delegation to the Sochi games . King was one of the first professional athletes to come out as gay in the 1980s . Two weeks later , a group led by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns will attend the closing ceremony . Speed skaters Bonnie Blair and Eric Heiden , as well as openly gay hockey player Caitlin Cahow , will also attend . Cahow , 28 , is a two-time Olympian . `` In the selection of this delegation , we are sending the message that the United States is a diverse place , '' White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said Wednesday , pointing to Napolitano , a former Cabinet secretary , as evidence of the delegation 's distinction . It 's the first time in more than a decade the President , vice president , first lady or former president has n't attended an Olympic opening or closing ceremony . First lady Michelle Obama led the delegation to 2012 's Summer Olympics in London , and President George W. Bush made the trek to China for Beijing 's games in 2008 . Vice President Joe Biden and his wife led a U.S. group to the last Winter Games , held in Vancouver . The absence of high-ranking U.S. officials amounts to a snub to Russia , whose relationship with the United States has fractured over the past year . Admitted NSA leaker Edward Snowden , wanted on espionage charges in the United States , was granted temporary asylum in Moscow , and Russian President Vladimir Putin has used Russia 's veto on the United Nations Security Council to block action in Syria . Russia to set up protest zones at Winter Olympics . Obama canceled a meeting with Putin that was scheduled for September , though the two met as part of a larger group of world leaders at the Group of 20 conference in St. Petersburg . Fueling the rift between the nations are new laws in Russia banning gay `` propaganda '' -- a law critics say is so vague that anyone can be prosecuted for wearing a rainbow T-shirt or holding hands in public with someone of the same sex . Carney noted on Wednesday the selection of gay athletes was n't the first time Obama has voiced concern over the Russian policy . `` That 's not a message we would wait to send through this manner , '' Carney said . `` We have been very clear -- the President has been very clear that he finds it offensive , the anti-LGBT legislation in Russia . '' Obama told Jay Leno in August he had `` no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them , '' and during his visit to Russia earlier this year , Obama met with the leaders of Russian social activist groups . Russia amnesty could free Pussy Riot , benefit Greenpeace members .
Gay athletes Billie Jean King and Caitlin Cahow in U.S. delegation to Sochi Winter Olympics . U.S. will not be sending any high-ranking officials , which is seen as a snub to Russia . King will attend the opening ceremony on February 7 . Cahow will be in the party appearing at the closing ceremony .