The Obama administration has named two LGBT athletes as part of the official U.S. delegation to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Tennis legend Billie Jean King and women’s hockey player Caitlin Cahow will be among those representing the United States. The move is seen as a rebuke of Russia’s crackdown on LGBT rights, including a new law criminalizing the so-called “promotion of homosexuality.” At the White House, Press Secretary Jay Carney played down the symbolism of the delegate picks.

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney: “This delegation represents the diversity that is the United States. All our delegation members are distinguished by their accomplishments in government service, in civic activism and in sports. And we are proud of each and every one of them and think they will serve as great ambassadors of the United States to the Olympic Games. We have been very clear — the president has been very clear that he finds it offensive, the anti-LGBT legislation in Russia, for example.”