BALTIMORE (AP) -- Rudy Galindo, the 1996 U.S. national figure skating champion, is HIV positive.
Galindo, who is openly gay, told USA Today he was diagnosed with AIDs virus on March 1 while being treated for pneumonia."People always think that it can't happen to them, but it can," said Galindo, 30. "I didn't want to hide this illness. I didn't want to live a lie. I've always wanted to be truthful."
His manager, Michael Rosenberg, confirmed the illness today. Galindo lost his brother and two coaches to AIDS.
Galindo left the tour briefly in February before returning for the Winter Goodwill Games, but had to withdraw midway through the event.
Galindo is taking three medications and resumed practicing last week in Reno, Nev. He has joined the spring Champions on Ice tour, which opens at Baltimore on Thursday night.
"I love skating," Galindo said. "I wasn't going to stay home and just do nothing."