If you’ve ever been to Beijing, you will quickly realize that the city’s pollution is one of the worst in the world. I remember visiting last year as I got in close to dusk, and seeing the red sun amongst the smoggy skyline reminded me of some scenes from Blade Runner. Well, I’m not the only one who has noticed the pollution – many Olympians are and are taking measures to prepare for their time in Beijing:
“…An increasing number of athletes are threatening to skip part or all of the Olympics because they believe the air is unsafe. Belgian tennis champion Justine Henin said she probably would skip Beijing entirely because of fears the air would aggravate her asthma. The world-record holder in the marathon, Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, broke something of an unofficial taboo on complaining about the air when he announced Monday that he would not run the marathon in Beijing, opting instead for the 10,000-meter run, which is easier on the lungs. The British Olympic Assn. commissioned scientists to develop a high-tech breathing mask for its athletes to wear while competing. U.S. Olympic officials say their athletes will not wear masks in competition, but might at other times during their stay in Beijing. For the Chinese, for whom saving face is crucial, it would be a nightmare to have athletes parade on camera wearing masks, or for there to be a raft of no-shows at the opening ceremony.”
Can you imagine during the “walk of nations” during the Olympic ceremonies and seeing a lot of athletes wearing gas masks to protect their lungs? That would be pretty embarrassing if you ask me! I’ve traveled a lot in Asia, and in general, I didn’t really notice the air pollution in cities like Shanghai, Taipei, Hong Kong or Tokyo. But in Beijing, it is very noticeable – especially if you compare the days before it has rained and afterwards.
