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Greg Louganis Serves As Grand Marshal In 2017 Rose Parade

The Olympic diver served alongside fellow Olympians Janet Evans and Allyson Felix.

Robyn Beck, Getty Images

Former US Olympic diver and current Rose Parade Grand Marshal Greg Louganis (L) waves during the 128th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, January 2, 2017. The Rose Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is part of "America's New Year Celebration" held in Pasadena, California each year on New Year's Day, or on January 2 if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday. The parade's Never on Sunday tradition dates to 1893, the first year since the start of the event that New Years Day fell on a Sunday. To avoid frightening horses that would be hitched outside churches on a Sunday the parade was moved to the next day, January 2. / AFP / Robyn Beck (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)
By Cody Gohl
January 3, 2017 / 9:26 AM

Yesterday, Olympian Greg Louganis made history as the first openly gay grand marshal to lead the Rose Parade.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist led the 128th Rose Parade and Tournament of Roses alongside fellow Olympians Janet Evans and Allyson Felix.

Like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California is a large scale local celebration that's broadcast around the world. Unlike the Thanksgiving festivities in New York, however, the Rose Parade is all about celebrating the New Year, with marching bands, celebrity well wishes and ornately decorated vehicles.

While a gay couple was married atop a float at the 125th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in 2014, Louganis' turn as grand marshal is the first time an out figure has led the cavalcade.

Jerod Harris, Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 02: Grand Marshal Greg Louganis and partner Johnny Chaillot appear in the 128th Tournament Of Roses Parade on January 2, 2017 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/WireImage)

This has been a big year for the 56-year-old diver. He was finally featured on a Wheaties Box, performed an iconic synchronized dive with Tom Daley and launched an activewear line to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his first Olympic medal.

With this well-deserved momentum, we're sure the HIV/AIDS activist and LGBT rights advocate will have an incredible and impactful 2017.

h/t: LA Times

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