Listen to the full interview via the podcast.

The crackdown on LGBT rights in Russia has cast a dark shadow over the upcoming Sochi Winter Olympics which get underway in a month's time.

But is the US serious about pressurizing Russia on the issue?

We spoke to Dave Zirin, sports editor of The Nation, who explained that the US delegation to Sochi includes a significant number of LGBT members.

"The US delegation is made up of four people, three of whom are of the LGBT community. One is the legendary Billie Jean King. Figure skater Brian Boitano came out of the closet after he was named in the delegation. And there's Caitlin Cahow who is a hockey player," said Zirin.

"What's so important, particularly for Billie Jean King is that these are not people who are just part of the LGBT community. These are activists and have been outspoken on a host of issues. King has called for a "John Carlos moment" at the Sochi Winter Games."

Of course, if athletes at Sochi follow the style of John Carlos and Tommy Smith and stage a symbolic protest against Russia's anti-LGBT statutes, that would be in direct contravention of the Russian law.

Meanwhile, no member of the US Presidential or vice-Presidential family will attend the Games. Yet the Obama administration has not reacted to India implementing similar anti-LGBT laws. 

"It shows that it isn't just about LGBT rights from the perspective of the Obama White House," said Zirin. "This is about a thumb in the eye to Russia which has been challenging the United States on a whole host of issues around the globe. It is fair to say that LGBT rights is like a wedge issue that allows the United States to paint Russia in a bad light."

But Zirin believes that any open intervention from the US administration could lead to renewed repression in Russia against those fighting for their rights.

But the Sochi Games are even murkier thanks to recent revelations regarding the astronomical costs of the event:

"The magazine Businessweek put out a big exposé of how these games are going to cost $51 billion. That in and of itself is such a stunning figure. That means these winter games will cost more than every other Winter Games combined. It also means it will be the most expensive Olympics in history. The Winter Games tend to be a much smaller operation than the Summer Games."

According to the magazine, the extra cost is a result of cronyism with Putin's associates benefiting.

 

Main image: Billie Jean King