Fueling the rift between the nations are new laws in Russia banning gay `` propaganda '' -- Gay athletes Billie Jean King and Michael 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 12 . Cahow will be in the party appearing at the closing ceremony .
Gay athletes Billie Jean King and Michael 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 12 . Cahow will be in the party appearing at the closing ceremony .