Masks May Be Part of Wardrobes at Opening Ceremony

BEIJING — As Olympic and city officials continued to defend the air quality here, athletes were faced with the decision Friday of whether to attend the opening ceremony in the thick smog and, if they do go, whether to wear a mask to combat the pollution.

Matt Reed, a triathlete for the United States, said he would wear a mask during part of the opening ceremony, but was cognizant of the attention it might receive.

Earlier this week, four cyclists on the U.S. team wore masks when they arrived at the airport, then were scolded by the United States Olympic Committee for embarrassing their Chinese hosts. The cyclists subsequently issued a written apology through the U.S.O.C.

“I won’t wear it walking out,” Reed said after a workout at Beijing Normal University on Friday morning. “But when we’re standing there not doing anything, on the field, I’ll wear it

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/09/sports/olympics/09pollution.html?hp#