Billie Jean King will not attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics in Russia because of her mother’s illness.

The tennis legend, who is openly gay, was chosen by Barack Obama in December to help lead the US delegation to the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games.

However, King told The Associated Press yesterday that because of her 91 year-old mother’s “failing health, [she] will not be able to join the US Presidential delegation at this week’s opening ceremonies of the Sochi Olympics.

“It is important for me to be with my mother and my brother at this difficult time. I want to thank President Obama for including me in this historic mission, and I look forward to supporting our athletes as they compete in Sochi.”

Despite King not attending the Sochi Olympics opening ceremony tomorrow (February 7), the US delegation still includes two openly gay athletes: figure skater Brian Boitano and women’s ice hockey star Caitlin Cahow.