Australians preparing to cope with pollution

Andrew Calhoun, Jr. / 3-20-08 / 12:45PM / Pollution / Current Event

This article reviews certain steps the Australian Olympic team has taken to ensure their athletes' health and performance is at the level highest it can be. The article reveals that the Australians have dedicated more than $20 million dollars to make sure the team has familiarized themselves with the air quality in the city of Beijing and to "experience pre-Games test events". Spokesman Mike Tancred commented on other various procedures the team will be employing to ensure their optimum performance at the Olympic games this summer. "Australian athletes", Tancred states, "athletes will have access to ice vests and baths, a fully equipped gymnasium and massages" at a Beijing School the Australian Olympic committee has booked to host their athletes' training sessions. One thing I found interesting about this article, and the other articles like it that I've written on, is that even though it draws more attention to Beijing's air pollution problems and possible solutions for the athlete, once again it doesn't take about long-term solutions for the citizens within Beijing. While I feel it's great officials in Beijing and the international community are concerned about Beijing's air pollution problems, I fear the concern is misplaced. With every article is see on the subject, I feel like the change will only occur once the games have begun and afterwards, no concessions will be made to adjust the pollution problems facing China.

http://www.theage.com.au/news/beijing2008/australians-preparing-to-cope-with-pollution/2008/03/18/1205602388812.html