Off the deep end

You are recognised as the greatest diver of all time and have won consecutively at the Olympics…
That was what I had trained for. I trained for diving and being good at it and the medals happened. I had never dreamt about winning medals as such. I just did my training, my homework; basically, I trained very hard and good things happened. Everybody has struggles, you know. I just did the best I could and followed my passion.

At what point in your career did you realise that you were homosexual and HIV+ve?  
Growing up, I always felt that I was different. But I didn’t let people know of my sexuality until I was a lot older. I was diagnosed HIV positive in 1988, which was six months prior to the Olympic Games. The first time I revealed my sexual identity was on a show called 20/20, and soon after, I went on the Oprah Winfrey Show. That’s when the world got to know about my sexuality.  Then I came up with a book, which was rated as a bestseller in New York Times Best Seller list.

Your HIV status was undisclosed right through the 1988 Games. Were you wary of people’s reactions?
Had anybody known that I was HIV positive before the 1988 Olympic Games, I wouldn’t have been allowed into the country. So I decided to keep it under wraps with only my doc and coach knowing about it. If I would have announced it, I would have been denied the opportunity to compete in that Olympics.

Was there any change that you brought about in your training post-diagnosis?
I was still training for the Olympics and there was no modification. I just took my medicines and trained very hard.

How do you maintain an active lifestyle now?
I go to the gym every day, I swim, I do yoga and I live a pretty active life.

What changes do you see in the present day diving scenario?
Well, the level of difficulty has increased. It’s a different schedule from my time. Now, synchronised diving has also been added. This wasn’t there when I was competing.

What advice would you have for the young sportspersons of today?
Have passion for what you’re doing. Enjoy what you do and find joy in it. That’s the most important thing.