By Lauren Tuck (Editorial Assistant, POZ)
British diver Tom Daley is the official diving hottie of the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Photos of his ripped muscles on full display and videos of the 18-year-old's impressive athletic accomplishments have officially taken over the Internet--as well as my heart and every other thought. But before Daley ever made a splash on the Olympic scene (or was even born for that matter) Greg Louganis was the resident Gold medal-winning sex symbol on the tips of everyone's tongues.
Louganis made his Games debut at 16 in the 1976 Montreal Olympics winning the Silver in the 10-meter platform event. Later, he secured two Golds in both the platform and 3-meter springboard at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and repeated this feat in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. In his quest for Gold glory in South Korea, Louganis hit his head on the springboard in the preliminary rounds and suffered a concussion. Louganis had been diagnosed with HIV a few months before the accident but did not publicly disclose his status until 1995 when he released his autobiography, Breaking the Surface. He also came out as a gay man.
Today, Louganis can be seen in the stands of diving competitions, where he's critiquing and cheering (and possibly even ogling the athletes--I know I would be!). I'm sure people are still ogling him. His Greek god-like body melted hearts 30 years ago, and he can still have that effect when he's on television today. He's also just as inspiring when not talking about the Olympics. Case in point: As a General in the POZ Army, Louganis has joined a movement to fast-track the cure for HIV/AIDS.
Recently, Louganis joined CNN's Piers Morgan at the Olympic Village to discuss diving, HIV and the recent Chick-Fil-A controversy (the eatery's religious president has publicly stated he is against gay marriage).
British diver Tom Daley is the official diving hottie of the 2012 London Summer Olympics. Photos of his ripped muscles on full display and videos of the 18-year-old's impressive athletic accomplishments have officially taken over the Internet--as well as my heart and every other thought. But before Daley ever made a splash on the Olympic scene (or was even born for that matter) Greg Louganis was the resident Gold medal-winning sex symbol on the tips of everyone's tongues.
Louganis made his Games debut at 16 in the 1976 Montreal Olympics winning the Silver in the 10-meter platform event. Later, he secured two Golds in both the platform and 3-meter springboard at the 1984 Los Angeles Games and repeated this feat in the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics. In his quest for Gold glory in South Korea, Louganis hit his head on the springboard in the preliminary rounds and suffered a concussion. Louganis had been diagnosed with HIV a few months before the accident but did not publicly disclose his status until 1995 when he released his autobiography, Breaking the Surface. He also came out as a gay man.Today, Louganis can be seen in the stands of diving competitions, where he's critiquing and cheering (and possibly even ogling the athletes--I know I would be!). I'm sure people are still ogling him. His Greek god-like body melted hearts 30 years ago, and he can still have that effect when he's on television today. He's also just as inspiring when not talking about the Olympics. Case in point: As a General in the POZ Army, Louganis has joined a movement to fast-track the cure for HIV/AIDS.
Recently, Louganis joined CNN's Piers Morgan at the Olympic Village to discuss diving, HIV and the recent Chick-Fil-A controversy (the eatery's religious president has publicly stated he is against gay marriage).
Louganis may have hung up his Speedo years ago, but his new role as mentor to the U.S. Diving Team is well deserved--not only for his status as one of the best divers of all time, but also because he is a role model. An added bonus for us all is that he offers great insight into living with HIV.
As Morgan points out, both Louganis and fellow HIV-positive star athlete Magic Johnson look fit and healthy, which has helped change the public's perception of HIV/AIDS. Greg counters by saying, "It's a double-edged sword. Kids are seeing us alive and thriving and all that, but I wouldn't wish my drug regimen on anyone. I mean, the things that I've been through are pretty devastating."
Louganis says he's able to tolerate and metabolize his antiretroviral treatment so well because he remains active and continues to train. Someone like Magic Johnson has the added benefit of being able to hire people to help him out, such as personal chefs and nutritionists. Everyday folks living with HIV don't have those perks.
But Louganis doesn't need a nutritionist to know that Chick-Fil-A should be avoided. When asked about the chicken chain controversy, Louganis refuses to dive into the culture wars and instead says: "Who eats that stuff? I like my arteries, I like my blood flowing!"
Tom Daley may be the man that gets my blood flowing these days, but it's Greg Louganis's wisdom and wit that will keep me engaged in the Summer Olympics for years to come.
As Morgan points out, both Louganis and fellow HIV-positive star athlete Magic Johnson look fit and healthy, which has helped change the public's perception of HIV/AIDS. Greg counters by saying, "It's a double-edged sword. Kids are seeing us alive and thriving and all that, but I wouldn't wish my drug regimen on anyone. I mean, the things that I've been through are pretty devastating."
Louganis says he's able to tolerate and metabolize his antiretroviral treatment so well because he remains active and continues to train. Someone like Magic Johnson has the added benefit of being able to hire people to help him out, such as personal chefs and nutritionists. Everyday folks living with HIV don't have those perks.
But Louganis doesn't need a nutritionist to know that Chick-Fil-A should be avoided. When asked about the chicken chain controversy, Louganis refuses to dive into the culture wars and instead says: "Who eats that stuff? I like my arteries, I like my blood flowing!"
Tom Daley may be the man that gets my blood flowing these days, but it's Greg Louganis's wisdom and wit that will keep me engaged in the Summer Olympics for years to come.
"Greg counters by saying, "It's a double-edged sword. Kids are seeing us alive and thriving and all that, but I wouldn't wish my drug regimen on anyone. I mean, the things that I've been through are pretty devastating."
The mere fact that this is being said more than 30 years into the epidemic points to the sheer ridiculousness with which we regard HIV matters. Of course HIV sucks. To think that you have to constantly affirm your suffering simply for fear that others might run out and have a bareback weekend if you look too good is nuts. What other diseases do we treat this way? Do people with diabetes feel a need to let people know that they're only alive because they watch what they eat and exercise? When do victims of heart attacks ever feel a need to apologize for not looking like crap and dying on a public forum? Why the double standard? No one wants this stupid freaking disease. Stop glorifying every lurid complication as a chance to warn others. Trust me, they're warned. The disconnect is that they don't perceive themselves as being at risk, not that they think it's no big deal.
i absolutely agree!
Greg Louganis is an extraordinary human being. Anyone who views his (infamous) dive in Seoul would be impressed at his courage and sheer determination. Knowing the personal drama he was going through at the time makes it all the more powerful. In 1988, being out was not cool, especially if you're a sports hero; disclosing his HIV status at that time would have been a professional death knell.
I have no problem with him reminding everyone that having HIV is no picnic. To the throngs of kids out there who don't even know who he is, that's an important point to include. Thankfully, he's healthy and can share his wisdom and leadership.
Thanks so much for this article (and thanks, too, for the link to the Tom Daley pics)!
I agree. Greg is not only an inspiration but he's the voice of reason. While most patients regimen is much easier today I'm right up there with Greg in how much I suffered getting to this easier way. I'm another testament that living right can garner better and longer life but acting stupid like drinking and smoking and doing drugs that drag the immune system down further is just that.. stupid. It's your life, it's your opinion but mine remains and I continue to inspire my own circle. I'm 27 years POZ!
Aproximately 17 years had passed after the attacker had entered my home.
Ashamed, in denial and resident in a foreign country on a small island annonymous testing wasn't an option if you knew half the staff and the director personally.
7 years ago my immune system was so I was told in the hospital dental chair that another doctor needed to speak to me.
He told me I had to spend one or two nights in the hospital as I had cancer.
I was lead to the 'Infectious Diseases Ward'. Karposi's Sarcoma was the name used. Things went blury.
The grey faces of the stumbling Zombies that passed the window of my sealed room where I was treated by nurses in face masks, gloves and aprons as my health rapidly deteriorated and collapsing cancer filled drugs were drained of infections by tubes pushed into my lungs while I was fed ARV, chemotherapy and morphine for two years. Oygen tanks and heart monitors also made guest appearances so it wasn't long before I joined the Zombies.
2½ years of Chemotherapy later and having pulled back from being told to plan my own funeral I lead a full life.
I drink, smoke, party my arse off and look after my friends. I'm a better person.
Would I go through it all again? No, I don't think so. There is a dignified way out that seems a much more attractive alternative.
Would I open my mouth and speak out publicly about HIV and health risks associated on tv?
No, I don't have the balls or the platform offered for that but on one thing you can trust me.
I have no issue when speaking to those who know me (gay or straight) on the dangers of unprotected high risk sex and the importance of getting tested (as often as you get your teeth checked at the dentist).
Well done Mr Louganis. I know nothing of what you have seen in your personal life, of any suffering you have been through or witnessed others enduring but ill health is a great leveller.
So my closing chapter is this... say what you wish Mr Louganis. Say it as loud as you can and as often as you can. Say it for you, say it for me and say it for all those of us who went on a journey they wouldn't wish on an enemy (ok, ok, a couple of nasty, theiving ex-employers maybe!).
As for the 'fast food thing' 'the Colonel' was all about 'finger licking' and 'dipping' so move to KFC kiddies!
Stay strong out there, keep smiling and go on... put the Speedo's back on!
Thanks , Greg , being positive for almost 20 yrs, I too have faced many obstacles in life. The chick filet thing is just another ploy to improve their stand in the fast food market. Nothing last forever, it's strang how Americans allow the news or closed minded indviduals to determine how one should think.How many of these same pointers don't realize there's a gay working or lurking within thee mist It,s ashamed we can't use our brains to be resourceful, but destructive to others. Great to see you back.
I have known Greg since 1994 and introduced him to Eric Marcus with whom he wrote his book and to Jed Mattes his literary agent before he wrote the book; Greg's bravery then in coming forward to disclose his status and sexuality helped many a gay youth and HIV positive person deal with the complexities of their lives. He is a hero to so many people!! Keep looking great and speaking truth to power Greg! Eric Sawyer
Greg is one of those few heroes that continue to inspire millions gay or straight. To be a world class athlete of his caliber and have the "cojones" to come out to a world full of bigotry and closed mindedness to say that one was HIV positive as well as Gay during a time not too long ago when it wasn't as easily accepted is a great accomplishment by itself! Kudos to this great human being...
At the end of the day the guy is in a position to carry a positive message about the virus, I say let him do the next right thing and show HIV is only 3 letters
I'm so excited he's been through the highs and lows of cocktails, drama, abuse, disloyalty and still that wonderful integrity is there shining through. I have not had a drug cocktail that has worked. 5 tried, and the last has left me with cancer and kidney stones. I'm just one of those people that doesn't work with well allotherpic medicine model of the west.
I have always admire and followed Greg and personally - he's my heroic mentor in deportment, character, humor, health, advocacy and character quality.
If we had a AIDS Wish Foundation I would totally love a day at the beach with lunch with Greg Louganis. It would be the greatest single dream of my life.
And if it does not happen, it doesn't need to - I'm so blessed to have followed his career, his happiness and recovery from trauma, and his ability to thrive with dignity. Greg - you inspired me to light up my own star and dazzle. I will be ever grateful.
Thank you,
Vancouver, BC Canada
1. Diabetes: Do not understand where you got the twisted idea that this condition is managed by 'what they eat and exercise". That only works early stages. If people do not loose weight along with it, the desease progresses. The long term effects are blindness, kidney desease and vascular desease. Before the isolation of insulin, many diabetics lived a horrible life until they died of metabolic starvation.
2. You must never have had to work with and treat ppl that smoked and eat like crap and then had a heart attack or stroke. They say sorry you have to wipe my rear and bathe them all the time.
3. Andy, I do not know how old you are, but Mr Louganis as well as myself witness the death of the generation before us dying like flies. Not knowing what was the cause, then break through of the ID of the virus; the fight for medication to be developed. Living with the fear if I am not careful today, I could be dead before I turn 30. We are the generation of promoting safer sex and caustion. The few lucky ones like him and my partner of 20yrs, just stay heathly enough til the next drug comes along.
Mr Louganis made a simple statement "It's a double-edged sword. Kids are seeing us alive and thriving and all that, but I wouldn't wish my drug regimen on anyone. I mean, the things that I've been through are pretty devastating." He is right! Most of the drugs that are out right now, no one knows the effects of long term use. Many of the drugs cause people to go liver and kidney failer. Mess with the functions of the liver and cause vascular desease. The headaches days on end and the days where most of your time is spent sitting on the toilet shitting you day away.
4. The kids today. They have the wrong idea that if they do sero convert that they just have to take some meds. We are still saying please be safe so you do not have to go on the meds.
The job of the each generation is to stop the next from making the same mistakes, even if to you it sounds like we are affiming our suffering for fear you other doing something stupid.
Thank you, Mark, for explaining your position so that, hopefully, Andy can get a clue.
If everyone knows so much and has no need of whatever angle of education is available, why is the MSM community still being infected; with the greatest numbers being youth?
I am grateful Greg L took the opportunity to note the challenges of living with hiv. After 30 yrs, it does not define me, but it is no picnic and has, in the past, been truly life challenging due to related illnesses.
As a prevention specialist in a major city, Andy just doesn't understand people who, in spite of basic knowledge, make poor choices at times. I am so glad HE gets it and NEVER screwed up and got HIV
I sense a harsh tone in both of your reactions. What did I say that warranted such offense? Were you guys offended that I dared to suggest that fear based prevention isn't effective? That's obvious. It's NOT working. We've had 30 years of fear, and the incidence HIV has remained static for roughly the last 20 of them. To think that if 30 years of terror hasn't worked we must need MORE terror is to think that doing more of the same thing will get different results. This is, in the immortal words of Einstein, the definition of insanity. Did you think that I was attacking Louganis? I'm not. He's a great guy, but I disagree with how he's trying to address the issue. Reacting as if I was making an attack on him is dirty pool. There was nothing in what I wrote that implied that, and when you criticize something I never said to distract from my opinion, you launch a character attack that distracts from my points. That's too bad, since I'm trying to add to a discussion which you should support.
You said, "The job of the each generation is to stop the next from making the same mistakes, even if to you it sounds like we are affiming our suffering for fear you other doing something stupid."
That's a noble sentiment to have Mark, but the job of subsequent generations is to reject the ideologies of their forefathers when those ideologies are wrong. This is the restless sentiment that got us out of caves and into high rises. It took us from leaches and witch doctors to antiretrovirals in less than a thousand years, and by god, it will take us from a fear based prevention paradigm that demonizes HIV+ to one that affirms the complexity of transmission and the humanity of poz people. Trying to shut me down just because you disagree without actually making a point isn't just wrong, it's contrary to your supposed preoccupation with the betterment of future generations. I could pick at the inconsistency in using experience to trump my supposed lack of experience. I could point to Ken's nasty statement that I've "never screwed up". I'll leave them on the table, only pointing out that they're nasty, mean, dirty argumentative strategies that don't address, only distract from, what I said. Instead, I'll quietly ask that you stop talking about your concern for future generations while supporting ideas that aren't working and telling younger people to shut up.
HIV is such a bizarre area. I know of no other area where we look to our elders to divine what our youth think or feel, while telling the youth to shut up and sit down. No wonder prevention has been such an astonishing failure.