Billie Jean King. Photo by Kris Connor/Stringer/Getty Images.

President Obama has appointed Billie Jean King — the openly gay tennis legend and Medal of Freedom awardee — to the delegation that will represent the U.S. at the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.

The move is a clear signal to Russia, with its anti-gay laws and wide-spread homophobia, that America condemns its treatment of LGBT people, despite not boycotting the 2014 games. Obama also named openly gay hockey player Caitlin Cahow to the closing ceremony delegation.

“I am equally proud to stand with the members of the LGBT community in support of all athletes who will be competing in Sochi and I hope these Olympic Games will indeed be a watershed moment for the universal acceptance of all people,” King said in a statement.

When questioned about a possible boycott of the games, Obama said he didn’t think it was appropriate. “We’ve got a bunch of Americans who are training hard, who are doing everything they can to succeed,” he said in August. “One of the things I’m looking forward to is maybe some gay and lesbian athletes bringing home the gold, or silver, or bronze.”

Janet Napolitano, former Secretary of Homeland Security and current University of California president, will lead the opening ceremony delegation, which also includes figure skater Brian Boitano. The games won’t be attended by Obama, Vice President Joe Biden or any top political leaders.