Quote Originally Posted by csr1210 View Post
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.