Olympic cyclists

[csr1210]

Maybe I'm the only one, but I thought it was ridiculous that they felt they had to apologize. From what I understand, the masks were provided by some Olympic committe - not the US, not the US cycling team, and not the individual athletes. So, basically they are apologizing for using protective gear that was given to them by an olympic organization that felt the athletes' health/performance could be compromised by existing conditions?!? What - were they supposed to only wear them in private? If there is more to the story, please let me know.

Sorry, based on what's been reported in the news, I just don't get it
Christy

[tennisgirl43]

I agree with Christy - I don't know why they needed to apologize. I understand trying to keep relations with China, etc., positive, but they've even said how awful the air quality is. If you are an athlete in an event that depends on your respiratory system functioning well, why not wear a mask? I guess it's just more political correctness. Which makes me sad.

[Crankin]

I certainly agree! I know Bobby would not have done anything politically incorrect; he is too smart. Geez, half the people who live there wear masks to walk around every day.
Based on how I feel when I ride if there's an air quality alert here, I question the safety of engaging at an Olympic level in any endurance sport under those conditions.

[Peanut03]

I agree too! There is no need to apologize. Everyone knows the pollution is bad, and many athletes have said that they will be wearing masks unless they are competing. A friend went to China last summer and said the air was polluted. She didn't feel any ill effects, but she didn't go running either!

The bottom line is, we are mixing politics with sport. It's not about the athete, it's about the politics of the Olympics. (IMO)

[dachshund]

Maybe I'm the only one, but I thought it was ridiculous that they felt they had to apologize. From what I understand, the masks were provided by some Olympic committe - not the US, not the US cycling team, and not the individual athletes. So, basically they are apologizing for using protective gear that was given to them by an olympic organization that felt the athletes' health/performance could be compromised by existing conditions?!? What - were they supposed to only wear them in private? If there is more to the story, please let me know.

Sorry, based on what's been reported in the news, I just don't get it
Christy

Exactly, I don't get it either. The reality of hosting elite athletes in a smog-filled environment clashes with the "face saving" agenda. I feel for them, it's a real dilemma.

Supposedly the goverment was going to shut down factories and keep car traffic out of the area as a last ditch effort to reduce polution. We'll see. I'm completely fascinated by the political drama of it, but these athletes are getting dropped into a very strange environment.

[ilima]

You're not the only one. The USOC officials through the cyclists under the bus, so to speak. The officials are just too worried about offending China.

In a great synergy of politics and athletics, Lopez Lomong, one of Sudan's 'lost boys' and member of Team Darfur (and US citizen since 2007), was chosen by his peers to carry the US flag into the opening ceremonies.

[Trek420]

What a great move. He deserves the honor as an athlete and teammate. But I've read articles that paint the US team as politically unaware, as if they don't read about current events or care. I met paralympic sprinter, and world record holder April Holmes and asked her about the political ramifications of this game and she said they are so focussed on training that it's not as if they don't read or care, the athletes just have to focus on their training. Heh, heh, I suppose that's the party line or what they say

Here in a subtle move that speaks volumes to the tragic situation in Darfur which we all, not just any one country should care about the US team chose this athlete.

I'm so very proud of them.

Quiet, dignified, yet what a huge statement to the world when they enter the stadium.