Australian track and field athletes have been banned from marching in the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics, with officials worried the city’s pollution could hurt their performances.
The athletes will remain in training camps in Japan and Hong Kong during the August 8 ceremony, before linking up with their Olympic teammates in time to compete from August 15.
Athletics Australia’s national performance manager, Max Binnington, has told ABC Radio the level of smog in Beijing was a serious concern.
“We have had athletes come back from a recent test event and one athlete has got 10 days off training because of a respiratory problem,” Binnington told ABC radio. “We don’t want our athletes to be undertaking that sort of risk.”
But he has also denied China should be blamed for the decision.
“Never was it intended to be a criticism of China, the Chinese Government or the Beijing Olympic Committee,” he told Fairfax.
“We think they will put on a wonderful show and they will do anything to minimise the inconenience for athletes. We wouldn’t be going to Hong Kong if we thought there was something wrong with China, and this isn’t the first time we’ve gone in late.”
Heptathlete Kylie Wheeler has told Fairfax she was informed the decision was partially based on high levels of pollution in the city.
“I understand where they are coming from. Ultimately they want us to give our best performance, and they think this is the best thing to do,” Wheeler said.
“But it would have been nice to come to some intermediary solution. For me, after having been to one, I know the motivation and excitement it generates. For me it’s really important for my preparation; I get excited about it, and from that I get really motivated.”
