August 5, 2008: Several members of the U.S. cycling team arrived at the airport in Beijing for the Summer Olympics wearing black respiratory masks. Approximately six of the team members were photographed wearing the masks. The masks suggest that the athletes were concerned over the reports of heavy air pollution in Beijing.Reuters: U.S. Cyclists Fly into China with Face Masks (August 5, 2008)
Olympic Face Mask Comments
"I recommend athletes not to wear masks because our experts say they are not efficient...They can do whatever they want, but I'm telling them it's totally useless."Wall Street Journal: Olympic Athletes Wearing Masks Could Cause China to Lose Face (July 21, 2008)—Jacques Rogge, President of the International Olympic Committee
"When people come to this environment and get acclimated, they'll see they won't need it [a mask]."Wall Street Journal: Olympic Athletes Wearing Masks Could Cause China to Lose Face (July 21, 2008)—Jeff Ruffolo, Adviser to International Olympic Committee
"When you're walking around with a mask on, you're basically saying, 'You guys stink"Wall Street Journal: Olympic Athletes Wearing Masks Could Cause China to Lose Face (July 21, 2008)—Scott Schnitzspahn, Performance Director of the U.S. Triathlon Team
References
Fast Facts
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The United Kingdom and Canada will also offer masks to their athletes
