Barack Obama sends rainbow-coloured 'up yours' to Vladimir Putin by naming lesbians on official Sochi Winter Olympics delegation Openly gay athletes, such as former tennis star Billie Jean King, are included in the U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi. You'll love Billie Jean Vlad, and I don't just mean the Michael Jackson song. US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has sent a rainbow-coloured "up yours" to Russia, appointing two openly gay women to its official delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi. With just 50 days until the Games, the decision appears to be a clear expression of disapproval for Russia's anti-gay laws. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, President Obama sent Vice President Joe Biden to represent the US. This time, the most senior figure will be Michael A. McFaul, the US ambassador to the Russian Federation. Ambassador McFaul will be joined at the Sochi Opening Ceremony by six time Wimbledon winner Billie Jean King, a well-known and much-loved crusader for gay rights. As a member of the President's Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Ms King's credentials to represent her country at an event of this calibre are impeccable. But many are viewing her appointment as President Obama's way of defying Russia's anti gay laws, which not only outlaw homosexual acts but forbid the dissemination of information about homosexuality to minors. The elephant in the room (apart from Vlad's dog Kuni) is gay rights, and that's said to be one reason why German Chancellor Angela Merkel, pictured, will not attend Sochi. Picture: AFP Source: News Limited President Obama has also named former hockey player Caitlin Cahow as part of the delegation to the Closing Ceremony. Ms Cahow has won medals at two previous Olympics as a member of America's women's ice hockey team. Australia will send at least one openly gay athlete to Sochi in snowboard cross competitor Belle Brockhoff. The 20-year-old hails from a pioneering Australian ski family, including a great aunt who championed the cause of skiing women. Brockhoff hasn't considered boycotting Sochi as the Olympics have been a lifelong dream and she believes she'll do more to inspire young people by competing than by not competing. Out and proud: Belle Brockhoff is on board the gay rights train. The Olympics are totally about the sport and it's about the athletes. It's about the athletes inspiring the world and junior athletes who are up and coming. It's about inspiration and your love for the sport. It has nothing to do with political laws in a country," she says. When I go to the Olympics, I'll definitely be focusing on me as an athlete. I won't be getting into any political things such as the gay laws. But afterwards I'll be getting more into it, and supporting equal rights with my sporting achievements. I'd love to be an ambassador for equal rights in Australia. I've been working with an organisation called Athlete Ally. They are for equality and they want to help end transphobia and homophobia in sport. So I'm really happy and thankful to be a part of this organisation.