US cyclists apologize for wearing masks

[one...two...tree 2,762]

BEIJING (AP)—A group of American cyclists has apologized to Beijing Olympic organizers after arriving in China’s capital wearing face masks.

Michael Friedman, Sarah Hammer, Bobby Lea and Jennie Reed released a statement Wednesday, a day after they caused a stir by showing up in the protective gear.

“The wearing of protective masks upon our arrival into Beijing was strictly a precautionary measure we as athletes chose to take, and was in no way meant to serve as an environmental or political statement,” the athletes said. “We deeply regret the nature of our choices. Our decision was not intended to insult BOCOG or countless others who have put forth a tremendous amount of effort to improve the air quality in Beijing.”

The host city’s air remains a concern with the start of the games approaching. Beijing has put into effect long-planned pollution-control measures, such as taking cars off the streets, and American officials are cautiously optimistic.

Jim Scherr, the U.S. Olympic Committee’s chief executive officer, said his organization didn’t ask the cyclists to apologize.

“Those athletes regret that action and have written an apology to BOCOG on their own behalf,” Scherr said. “They now realize and understand how their actions were perceived by the host nation and by the organizing committee.”

Scherr said masks have been issued to national governing bodies that requested them.

“I understand that about 200 of our athletes received those masks through the national governing body, not directly from the U.S. Olympic Committee,” Scherr said. “Hopefully they won’t have to use them.”

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/c...p&type=lgns

[Ban Hammer 13,352]

[Nagishkaw 510]

Good Grief!

[pedroh 21]

that so fukcin ridiculous... omg.. beyond pussyness

[IAMX 3,055]

Gotta admit though, sure is a way for more negative PR against China if people are going over there in masks afraid of getting diseases. For that sort of political incorrectness, I gotta laugh. However, as someone mentioned, they may have just been wusses.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Gotta admit though, sure is a way for more negative PR against China if people are going over there in masks afraid of getting diseases. For that sort of political incorrectness, I gotta laugh. However, as someone mentioned, they may have just been wusses.

Actually, athletes are even more susceptible to air pollution. When every little thing down to the type of shoes they wear can make a difference between gold and silver, it's understandable that they're not going to risk their lungs and losing a medal because of the poor air quality.

[IAMX 3,055]

Gotta admit though, sure is a way for more negative PR against China if people are going over there in masks afraid of getting diseases. For that sort of political incorrectness, I gotta laugh. However, as someone mentioned, they may have just been wusses.

Actually, athletes are even more susceptible to air pollution. When every little thing down to the type of shoes they wear can make a difference between gold and silver, it's understandable that they're not going to risk their lungs and losing a medal because of the poor air quality.

There may also be a difference in performance between two or three shots in the butt.

[mendeleev 68]

The idea that athletes need to apologize for trying to protect themselves from being forced to breathe some of the worst, most polluted air on the planet in order to avoid insulting fragile Chinese sensibilities is insulting, absurd, and dreadful.

[Amby 490]

he looks like michael jackson in that mask

[Nagishkaw 510]

The idea that athletes need to apologize for trying to protect themselves from being forced to breathe some of the worst, most polluted air on the planet in order to avoid insulting fragile Chinese sensibilities is insulting, absurd, and dreadful.

Exactly!

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The Chinese have gone all out imposing all kinds of restrictions to lower air-pollution - no doubt this is very embarrassing.

Still if you can't meet the guidelines....