My friend Ryan inspired me to win gold at 1988 Olympics: Louganis

IANS  |  Kolkata 

After being hit on the in the 3m springboard event in the preliminaries of the 1988 in Seoul, legendary American took inspiration from his friend to come back the next day and win the gold medal.

The gay Olympic diving champion, who swept diving events in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, was diagnosed HIV-positive six months ahead of the 1988 but he kept it under wraps as it would hamper his chances of participating in the showpiece event.

Then in the preliminaries for the 3m springboard event, Greg hit his on the board, was diagnosed with concussion and had to receive stitches.

At the time, people didn't know that Greg and Ryan had something in common - both were HIV-positive.

Greg said later that he wondered what Ryan would do in that situation. He decided that Ryan wouldn't give up, and that helped Greg find the strength to continue.

"My inspirations were and my (Ron O'Brien) who just been there and been supportive. When I hit my on the springboard there was so much going on. I was diagnosed with positive, my coach's mother was in and he didn't know whether to stay or go home. He decided to stay with us.

"Both of us were rather distracted and I was the favourite but in split second after hitting the board I suddenly became underdog. I was focused and tried to do my absolute best," said Louganis, who is the International of the TSK 25K run.

"The thing I'll always remember about Ryan is his courage, strength, and sense of humour...The way Ryan lived his life continues to give me the strength and courage to do things I might not otherwise feel comfortable doing," Louganis said.

The 58-year old said has helped him stay motivated mentally and physically.

"It's all about making healthy choices. I think has helped motivate me mentally and physically. I look at working out and doing something physically active every day as being as important as taking my medicines."

Louganis further added that being a had helped him in diving.

"I was a before, it was a big part of training before. It all has a rhythm. gymnastics, dancing or diving. I was a performer.

"I rarely looked at the scoreboard. If I looked if they miss a dive, chances htat i miss a dive. I wanted my goals higher. I didn't want to limit myself. That's the reason I made so many feats," Louganis, who has won four gold and a silver in said.

On the TSK run, he said: "You have the similar goals and aspirations, so that can be inspiring. But if you are way ahead then that should not limit you as to how successful can you be," he said.

--IANS

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First Published: Thu, December 13 2018. 19:54 IST