American Olympians Wearing Face Masks Stir Controversy

As part of the Chinese bid to host the 2008 Olympics, the government promised to address air pollution in Beijing which is recognized as one of the most polluted cities in the world. Yet, only a month before the Olympic games, Beijing's pollution checked in at more than five times above recognized safety limits. Controversy erupted when several American cyclists disembarked from their airplane wearing pollutant filtration masks to protect their lungs in advance of their Olympic performances. The masks themselves were issued by the USOC to protect its athletes whose abilities are obviously influenced and affected by their body's cardiovascular performance. It came to light the Chinese were angered over the action, taking the masks as an insult to their efforts which prompted an apology from the athletes. Measurements by the BBC that day indicated a particulate matter nearly four times the level recommended by the WHO (World Health Organization). The Chinese responded indicating it was only a "light mist" in the air.

For anyone who has lived abroad in Asia, the wearing of face masks is commonplace within the culture to combat air quality issues. Was the athlete's apology really warranted or should the athletes have stuck to their convictions for personal health?

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