Olympian Greg Louganis has been named a grand marshal at the Tournament of Roses Parade, the first openly gay honoree in the celebration’s 128 year history.
“I hope it inspires people,” Louganis told the Mercury News, “and that they know they are loved.”
Louganis was named marshal along with fellow Olympians Janet Evans and Allyson Felix, who will join him on the ride down Colorado Boulevard on January 2. The theme of this year’s parade is “Echoes of Success.”
While the 56-year-old diver is the first out marshal, a gay couple was married atop a float at the 125th annual Tournament of Roses Parade in 2014.