USOC News -- Cyclists Regret Masks at Airport, Earthquake Aid

U.S. Cyclists Backpedal on Masks

Four U.S. track cyclists who wore black masks covering their noses and mouths upon arrival at the Beijing airport have sent a written apology to BOCOG.

Sarah Hammer was one of the U.S. athletes who wore a face mask in the Beijing airport. (Getty Images)"Those athletes regret that action," said Jim Scherr, CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee.

He said the four cyclists -- Mike Friedman, Sarah Hammer, Bobby Lea and Jennie Reed -- were "a little overly cautious" about the air quality they would encounter. But he said wearing the masks "wasn't the best judgment at the time."

Scherr said the athletes offered to apologize after meeting with Steve Roush, the USOC chief of sport performance.

"They now realize and understand how their actions were perceived by the host nation and the Olympic Committee," Scherr said.

Added USOC Chairman Peter Ueberroth, "You never want to go to somebody else's place and cause any embarrassment and in this case I think they did a little bit."

Text of Apology from U.S. Cyclists

"Following our arrival on Tuesday, we offer our sincere apologies to BOCOG, the city of Beijing, and the people of China if our actions were in any way offensive. That was not our intent.

The wearing of protective masks upon our arrival into Beijing was strictly a precautionary measure we as athletes chose to take, and was in no way meant to serve as an environmental or political statement. We deeply regret the nature of our choices. Our decision was not intended to insult BOCOG or countless others who have put forth a tremendous amount of effort to improve the air quality in Beijing.

We are extremely honored to be a part of the U.S. Olympic Team and feel privileged to represent the United States abroad both on and off the field of play. We look forward to putting this incident behind us while we prepare for our competition next week."

Future Use of Masks Possible

Scherr said that the masks have a filter inside and were issued to the national governing bodies that requested them. He said he understood that about 200 of the 596 athletes on the U.S. Olympic team, or one third of the team, had received the masks.

Although he said the USOC anticipates they athletes would not have to use them, he and Ueberroth both said they would not be forbidden from wearing them if they thought it would improve their performance.

While air quality has improved, heat and humidity remain a concern.

The USOC said athletes have cooling vests to keep them from overheating while competing or training. They've also been hammering home the necessity of athletes staying hydrated.

USOC Stays out of Cheek's Visa Problem

Scherr called the revocation of Joey Cheek's visa to attend the Olympics Jim Scherr said Joey Cheek’s visa rejection was “unfortunate”. (ATR)"unfortunate," but said Cheek was not part of the USOC delegation. Cheek, a speedskating gold medalist, started the activist group "Team Darfur."

Scherr said the issue was between "this government and Joey as a private citizen who's trying to make his way to these Games. He's been a great Olympian and I think he is a good example of the Olympic ideals and what Olympians stand for."

Earthquake Aid Revealed

The USOC has donated more than 1,000 tents - each with a capacity of 16-20 people to the earthquake relief effort in Sichuan province.

"So we did something that we're quietly proud of," Ueberroth said. "This is just one gesture and there'll be many gestures between these countries over large period of time."

Scherr said the USOC has established a Team for Tomorrow fund that athletes can use to channel their energy and desire to be of assistance.

"They can make a significant change in the world, beyond what they do on the field of play," he said.

The USOC has also partnered with Habitat for Humanity, and athletes will help build houses after the Olympics.

Written by Ed Hula III in Beijing

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