Four-time Olympic gold medalist Louganis, 56, was the recipient of a change.org petition started by Julie Sondgerath that garnered over 40,000 signatures, asking that the diving superstar be belatedly recognized with a coveted spot on the cereal box. Sondgerath was inspired by a 2015 HBO documentary, "Back on Board: Greg Louganis."
The New York Times reported that Louganis has said that homophobia was a likely reason that recognition came so late -- he won his medals in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics. Louganis tested HIV positive before the 1988 Olympics, but kept the news hidden. Though there were rumors at the time, he did not come out until much later. The first time he spoke publicly about being gay and HIV positive was in a 1995 appearance on "Oprah."
"It's so iconic, everybody looks at the Wheaties box and it's such an honor," Louganis told General Mills. "I can't wait to see Janet's and Edwin's boxes too. I'm excited for them as much as myself. What great company to be in. Edwin's always been a hero to me. It's such an honor to be in this group."
Louganis is now an LBGT rights advocate.