For figure skaters, the timing to make this kind of decision seems to be important.
I hope his case would be successful. He knows when to say when
0:10-
I have lots of big news. First, it's a little bit sad. It's kind of hard for me to say, but I'm officially retiring from competitive figure skating and ending my chance of going to the 3rd Olympics this year.
-Why?
I get old. You have to find a time to say thank you and good bye. That's really what my announcement, the first one about today, is. Thank you my mother, my coaches, my family and everyone for supporting me.
-Even as you say good bye we say welcome because you are a part of NBC family.
I am. I am an expert analyst for the figure skating coverage for the entire season for NBC sport and NBC Olympic, and Olympic games in Sochi, Russia.
I'm beyond thrilled to join the team. You know, figure skating is built on my memories. I grow up watching the Olympics hearing Scot Hamilton's beautiful voice come through the TV at me. Those are things you remember. And I hope you create more memories for the young skaters and create memories for the Olympics.
-Is it hard for you to call in not to be out there?
It will be very hard. I have not actually experienced it yet. It will be hard for me to be out there. Probably I will still get sick at my stomach and nervous and go through the all emotions of the competitor. But I will be able to support these young skaters and really teach the world what's going on out there.
-Can I touch other different subject? Because, obviously, there is a lot of controversies with Russia, the host nation. It records with gay rights. Lots of athletes, gay athletes, non-gay athletes are considering not going there? What is your thought based on the fact that you are a gay American.
I'm a gay American and married into the Russian family. I have been in a long time of support of Russia, the culture, the country, the language, everything about Russia. And a word that was thrown was the terrible thing that you can't be gay publically in Russia. I plan to be there for support of our brothers and sisters there, and not be afraid. If I get arrested, I'll get arrested. It's not great. But our presence is needed for all Olympians who work so hard. The boycott is the worst thing you can do for the all those young people.
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