 
May 2, 2011
Greg Louganis
Diving board Olympian, trainer of divers and dogs, positive for 23 years.
 June 5, 2011, marks 30 years since the first published accounts of what
became known as AIDS. For this anniversary, we asked 31 long-term
survivors who’ve appeared in POZ what
moves and sustains them and whether they think they’ll live to see a
cure. Why 31? One for each year, and one more for good luck.
What change or development in your treatment for HIV has most affected your life—for better or worse?
The current combination therapy. I am on AM and PM meds, with few side effects.
What is your refuge from thinking about and dealing with your health?
Yoga! It helps me maintain flexibility physically, emotionally and mentally—and helps me keep a positive outlook. And Spin and TRX resistance training help keep me fit.
What has been your major economic challenge since testing positive?
Sponsors pulling support because they didn’t expect me to live this long!
What one thing has most aided your survival, and how difficult is it to overcome stigma?
Staying active in the gym and with my dogs. My dogs have helped me through many harsh therapies I have endured!
Do you think there will be a cure in your lifetime—and if so, will you benefit from it?
No.
What advice would you give to someone newly diagnosed?
“You idiot, what were you thinking!” No, really, “Just take a breath, take responsibility, and live your life with passion.”
Click here to read this article as it
appeared in the June 2011 issue.
Click here to
read more of our "30 Years of AIDS" coverage.
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