Anti-Gay Olympic Gold Medalist Resigns From USA Gymnastics To Become Mormon Missionary

Two-time 1984 Olympics gold medalist Peter Vidmar has resigned his chairmanship at USA Gymnastics to become a missionary for the Mormon Church. You may recall that Vidmar resigned from directing the United States gymnastics team at the 2012 London Games following media furor over his participation at anti-gay rallies and his donations to Proposition 8. USA Gymnastics has issued a press release:

Vidmar and his wife, Donna, have accepted a three-year appointment to oversee mission efforts for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where they will serve with young men and women in a soon to be determined geographic area. The Vidmars’ church assignment begins July 2016.

“On behalf of USA Gymnastics, I want to thank Peter for all he has done for USA Gymnastics, not only as Board chairman, but also as an athlete, advocate and role model,” said Steve Penny, president of USA Gymnastics. “Under Peter’s leadership, the organization has moved forward in best practices in many areas, including governance and safe sport, and the USA has become a recognized leader in the international community.

(Tipped by JMG reader Claudio)