BEIJING (Reuters) - Some members of the U.S. cycling squad arrived for the Olympic Games on Tuesday wearing black respiratory masks, apparently concerned over reports of unhealthy levels of air pollution in Beijing.If an athlete wanted to make a political statement about repression of freedoms in China, this would be a great way to do it. Wearing a mask like that as they move around the Olympic venues could be blamed on the smog, but there could also be a subtle undertone of protest against the Chinese government that silences its opposition.
About half a dozen members of the team, male and female, were pictured wearing close-fitting face masks covering nose and mouth as they went through Beijing airport. One was identified as Mike Friedman, a track cyclist who competes indoors.
"I suspect it was their choice, you would have to talk to them as to what prompted them to do this," said Darryl Seibel, chief communications officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
"I will say this: I am not a scientist, but in my view that was unnecessary."
A cycling official tried to play down the incident which some Chinese may see as provocative.
"I don't believe there was any statement trying to be made," said Andrea Smith, spokeswoman for USA cycling.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has said athletes have the right to express their opinions, but should not do so in the athletes' village or the sports venues.
I think the mask in the picture above is probably purely for health reasons. World class athletes don't want to be breathing the Beijing smog before they compete, but the masks could make the Chinese government and Olympic officials a little nervous.
UPDATE: Well, this is disappointing:
Four US Olympic cyclists who caused an outcry when they arrived at Beijing airport wearing smog masks have today apologised to Games organisers.
The four - Mike Friedman, Bobby Lee, Sarah Hammer and Jennie Reed - said that they were wearing the masks because of pollution fears, a touchy subject for the Chinese authorities.
As the Chinese capital remains shrouded in smog today, Jim Scherr, the chief executive of the US Olympic Committee, revealed that the four had said sorry.
"It probably wasn’t the most opportune time for these athletes to wear these masks,” he said, adding they had written an apology to Beijing Olympic Organising Committee (BOCOG).
What are they apologizing for - protecting their own health? If the IOC is embarrassed by their masks, too bad. They're the ones who gave the games to a city that is shrouded in smog much of the year. If anyone should be embarrassed about their decisions it's the IOC. Our athletes shouldn't have anythign to apologize for.
I'll bet some wimpy U.S. Olympic Committee member made them do it.
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