Johnny Weir on Russia gay Olympic boycott and Sir Elton John

A gay professional figure skater from the US has told the Today programme that he will not be observing a boycott of the Winter Olympic games in Russia.

A tentative campaign for a boycott has been launched in light of Russia's new anti-gay legislation.

Johnny Weir told Evan Davis: "To attack Russia is silly... we aren't attacking the public of Russia... its not Russia's public's fault that their government is so bigoted and creating so many problems for a minority group."

There have been doubts over how much the law - which bans the promotion of homosexuality - would affect Olympians and visitors - there have been conflicting statements from the IOC and Russian ministers.

"I'm not an antagonist," Mr Weir insisted.

He said that he was not planning to change in anyway when he was in Russia: 'I'm very gay... I give Sir Elton a run for his money".

"I don't know if there is anywhere more gay to go," he added.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4's Today programme on Wednesday 7 August 2013.