Review of Back on Board: Greg Louganis (2014) by Lee Anne W — 06 Sep 2015

Can you admire someone for his accomplishments and still be annoyed by his attitude?

I was almost 16 in the summer of 1984, and I was so in love with Greg Louganis. I had never seen a more perfect body, and that olive skin, and wavy hair---swoon! By the time he came out, it wasn't too surprising, but there was such a controversy, because of the famous incident during the 1988 Olympics, where he hit his head on the diving board and had to have stiches, not informing anyone who treated him of his recently discovered HIV+ status.

So this documentary revisits Louganis today (or actually a few years ago), as he struggles to hold onto his Malibu house. Yes, it's unfair that whispers about his sexuality probably kept him from the endorsement deals and Wheaties boxes that he deserved in '84, but that was also the year of Mary Lou Retton, and she had that Reagan-era charm. And yes, he was very brave to come out and divulge his HIV+ status 20 years ago, when that was still a HUGE deal. But everything else makes Louganis look like a tear-stained drama queen: my daddy didn't love me, my boyfriend/manager took my money, boo hoo hoo. He at least has the self awareness to admit that he had trouble dating in the past, because his boyfriends would get sucked into his problems.

I'm still happy to report that he has found love, and even though he sold the house, he still seems happy, especially now that he has returned to diving as a mentor for those competing today. And there's a scene at the end that proves his body is still beautiful. He has aged very well; I'm just glad I didn't have to date him.