The Storylines That Will Make You Smile, Laugh, or Cry During the Olympics

Despite Putin's assurances, the US is taking the 2014 Games as a chance to make a statement about human rights. Like the presidents of France and Germany, President Barack Obama has decided to skip the Games, and instead the US is sending three openly gay athletes to head up the delegation: tennis star Billie Jean King, who came out in the '80s as one of first openly gay professional athletes; Olympic gold-medal figure skater Brian Boitano, who just came out following his appointment; and Olympic hockey medalist Caitlin Cahow. A White House spokesman explained: “The US Delegation to the Olympic Games represents the diversity that is the United States."