Blake Skjellerup, an Olympian who competed on behalf of his native New Zealand in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, has recorded a video open letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Skjellerup, a gay speed skater, is taking a firm stand against Putin and his anti-gay policies. Skjellerup will not be competing in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, but he says he hopes that the games teach Putin about tolerance and acceptance.
“The Olympic games belongs to the world. It doesn’t belong to you. And it will be a celebration of that…a celebration of those differences. And I hope that you learn from it,” Skjellerup says in this exclusive Urant editorial video.
Skjellerup also reveals what he’d do if he ever met Vladimir Putin in person: he’d give him a hug! Watch the video to find out why.
– Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Get Uinterview's FREE iPhone App For Daily News Updates here.
Get the FREE Uinterview iPad app here and watch our videos anywhere
More on 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics:
Martial arts fighter Conor McGregor stands accused of raping a woman in a hotel penthouse…
Tom Hanks' new film, Here, only made $5 million at the box office during its…
Teresa Giudice took to TikTok on Friday to address fan comments about her lips, revealing…
James Van Der Beek, best known for his role on Dawson's Creek, has revealed his…
Jason Kelce’s appearance on ESPN’s College GameDay took an unexpected turn when a fan made a homophobic…
Liam Payne overdosed on drugs and had to be resuscitated prior to his tragic death.…