In an interview with The Dartmouth as well as in a speech to students in Alumni Hall last night, Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis spoke of his life as an elite diver as well as his experiences following his athletic career as an HIV positive gay male in the public spotlight.
Widely considered one of the best divers of all-time, Louganis spoke of his years of training and dedication to the sport -- a dedication that led him to win gold medals in both the 1988 and 1984 summer Olympic games as well as a silver medal in 1976 at the age of 16.
But his years as a diver certainly weren't easy.
Louganis remembers anti-gay sentiment amongst team members, including what he described as a "fagbuster" campaign by members of the team directed against homosexuals.
Still, Louganis said he was able to block out much of the rhetoric, focusing instead on the sport and proving himself to be a fierce competitor.
"I always wanted my diving to speak for itself, I didn't want to have to speak for my diving," he said regarding his desire to prove himself based on his athletic ability and not have his sexuality become a factor.
Later, Louganis grappled with being diagnosed as HIV positive in the months leading up to the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. Recalling the difficulties of treating the illness while simultaneously training for the Olympic games, Louganis said he began to compare his drug regimen to his regular diving workout schedule.
The diagnosis, however, made him consider retiring immediately, but his doctor urged him to continue diving.
"It was easier for me to focus on diving, something positive," Louganis said, "than to focus on HIV."
Louganis also told The Dartmouth that, especially during his high school years, he was excelling in diving while at the same time grappling with personal issues.
"My self-esteem was so intertwined with diving," Louganis said. "I had a very fragile identity ... I felt that somehow winning in diving potentially might make me worthy of being loved."
Prior to beginning diving at a young age, Louganis said he had taken dance and gymnastics classes and had always hoped to be an Olympic gymnast, though knee problems caused him to move from the gymnastics floor to the diving platform.
During the final years of his career as an elite diver Louganis returned to his roots in dance, joining a professional company during the two years prior to the 1988 Olympics and entering the theater in 1989 for a production of Cinderella.
Saying that he had always planned to be involved with the theater following his college years at the University of Miami as a drama major, Louganis has performed in several productions since, including "Jeffery" and a one man show in New York.
"The one man show for me was like climbing Mt. Everest," he said, adding that he was most proud of the two productions he has performed in New York and considers them to be a great personal achievement.
Though he is currently not working in the theater, Louganis said that he would consider returning if the right project came along.
Louganis said that, rather than performing, he is focusing much of his time this year on dog training and shows, including the training of his own dog, Nipper, a Jack Russell terrier that travels with him. He also does both professional pet and show training.
Louganis also told The Dartmouth that he has a laid back attitude toward his future plans.
"I'm open to do whatever comes along," he said. "It's not a structure of being in various places at various times. I'll just whatever makes me comfortable and content."
