Greg Louganis Video Interview On The Olympics, Fighting HIV

Olympic Gold Medalist Greg Louganis opens up about watching the Beijing Games and why he hasn’t dived in over a decade.

Q: The Chinese came to dominance in diving by filming you. How do you feel about that?

A: It’s all my fault [laughs]. No, it’s flattering that they thought enough of my talent or abilities to study me. When we first started to compete against the Chinese in the early 80s –there was one kid, I was looking at him and all the mannerisms and movements – it was me when I was 16. It kind of blew me away.

Q: When was the last time you practiced diving?

A: I haven’t been on the boards for over 10 years. The last time I was on boards was Greg Brodie, I was granting his wish for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. His wish was to be coached by me. And he could dive. I think we did some synchronized dives. It was hysterical.

Q: What were your feelings while watching the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies?

A: It was incredible. It was just an unbelievable show. As an athlete you don’t see the show. You’re just paraded in at the very end and you see the lighting of the torch, but that’s about it. The only opening ceremonies that I went to was 1996 in Montreal. That was incredible. To be a part of Team USA and walking in and every seat in the stadium is filled and people cheering, it’s really an incredible incredible high.