WASHINGTON (AP) — Billie Jean King, who couldn't attend the opening of the Sochi Olympics in Russia because of her mother's illness will be a member of President Barack Obama's official delegation to the Games' closing ceremony.

The White House says the group will also include the American Olympic gold medalist speed skaters Bonnie Blair and Eric Heiden.

The delegation will attend athletic competitions, meet with U.S. athletes and attend the closing ceremony. The White House said Friday the delegation will be headed by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and will also include Michael McFaul, the U.S. ambassador to Russia.

King, selected to help lead the U.S. delegation to the Games, was unable to attend the Feb. 7 opening because she wanted to be with her mother, who died that day.

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