An IOC medical expert worries that air pollution data is incomplete for Beijing. (Getty Images)Top Sport Doctor Questions Beijing Pollution Numbers
A member of the IOC Medical Commission says he is not sure that Beijing has cleaned up its air as much as city authorities say.
"I find it difficult to see that level in reduction in pollution as claimed," Dr. Ken Fitch told an audience at an Olympic health and medical forum in Sydney this week.
He says Beijing has been reluctant to share details about the tests carried out in August when about one-third of the city's cars were taken off the streets in a pollution reduction exercise. Australia has already advised its athletes to stay out of Beijing until the last moment.
"The health of the athlete is paramount these days, and I'm confident that the Chinese will make a great effort to reduce pollution," Fitch added.
"This is a big thing for that country and they're not going to fall down on this issue, but we must keep the pressure on them."
The Australian doctor began his involvement with his country's team as a medical officer at the 1972 Games. He was in charge of oversight of all sports medicine services for the 2000 Games.
He and the rest of the IOC Medical Commission will have a meeting with BOCOG in Monaco next week where Fitch hopes he will be able to get more details about the test.
Australia, Canada Sweeten Victory
Australia is upping the cash prize it pays to Olympic medalists, while Canada decides to offer a purse for the first time.
Olympic champions from the land down under will receive nearly $18,000 – a 33 percent increase over previous awards. Fourth-place finishers will get nearly $6,000. Coaches, too, receive a payment equal to one-fourthPrize Money grows for Australian and Canadian athletes at the Beijing Olympics. (Getty Images)of the athlete's prize.
The awards come not just in the Olympics, but to world champions retroactive to 2007. Each of Australia's women's basketball team members – new world champions – will each receive their award at the end of the year.
The AOC has increased the prizes in a bid to improve its 2008 medal standing.
After considering the idea for years, the Canadian Olympic Committee has also made a decision to also offer similar-size prizes for athletes that make the 2008 podium.
"As Olympic athletes are being asked to meet or better the medal targets at each Games, the Athletes' Council felt strongly about rewarding these athletes that achieve at the highest level. The decision by the council to revamp this program has been incredibly well received and supported by the COC," says COC Athletes' Council chair Ian Brambell.
Games First, then Space for China
In August 2008, the Olympics come to China; the next month the Paralympics; and October is on the schedule for China's first space walk.
The Shenzhou 7 spacecraft is planned to take three astronauts into orbit sometime in October. While China has sent manned missions into space, the 2008 mission would be the first space walk.
IAEA in Beijing
The International Atomic Energy Agency is working with Beijing 2008 to provide nuclear detection equipment and to train staff, says the agency's deputy director Tomihiro Taniguchi.
"The aim is to provide better prevention and protection for the events. At such large events, even if the physical effects (of an attack) are limited, the psychological effects can be serious," Taniguchi told a reporter at a conference on nuclear trafficking this week.
The IAEA also worked on security for the Athens Games.
Written by Maggie Lee
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