U.S. Cyclists Michael Friedman, Sarah Hammer, Bobby Lea and Jennie Reed

August 06, 2008

BEIJING, China - Statement from U.S. Olympic Team athletes Michael Friedman, Sarah Hammer, Bobby Lea and Jennie Reed regarding their decision to wear protective masks during Tuesday's arrival at Beijing's Capital International Airport:

"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."

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On August 06, 2008 Erika Holland wrote

First the Chinese should apologize for denying Joey Cheek a visa. The athletes are entitled to take whatever precautions they feel is necessary to ensure they remain healthy and able to compete. The IOC assured accredited journalists they would access to the internet regardless of what site they chose to view yet the Chinese have censored anything they feel is controversial or puts them in a bad light. They might be able to keep their citizens under tight wraps but when you host an international event you had better accept the good press with the bad. This Olympics is already leaving a sour taste in my mouth and it hasn't even officially begun. Can't wait to see the Moron W bowing and shuffling to the Chinese bigwigs this weekend.
On August 07, 2008 Liu Qi wrote

I am a Chinese.Although I don't believe that they want to break the relationship between the Chinese and Americans,why they did this at such special time?What we want is not an apology after making mistakes,but we can live together peacefully.
On August 07, 2008 Zed Sdead wrote

Why was my comment removed!? USOC is a fascist organization and practices Chinese appeasement.
On August 07, 2008 Zed Sdead wrote

USOC allows a poster to call the cyclists "morons" but censors my post about the Chinese government? Who's side is the USOC on? Seems like they're nothing more than a cowardly bunch of panderers and apeasers, just like American Politicians. I guess the truth hurts.
On August 07, 2008 Larry Zhan wrote

To: JB yes, they should have boycotted the games, but why didn't they make a stupid try. i'm sure the game would be even nicer without political influence. Hey, moron, who told you I'm in your nation, check the ip address, don't interchangably use your mouth vertically and horizontally..
On August 07, 2008 J B wrote

I agree, they should have totally made an effort to boycott. I can't answer for them though...probably sucked into the whole "can't we all just get along" idea that liberal pukes seem to throw around. As to "interchangably using my mouth vertically and horizontally", I may be under-educated like that, but not real sure what that means. So I apologize for not being offended by one-sided humor. And if you're chinese and are offended by what I have said...just say your name "Larry". I'll leave it at that.
On August 07, 2008 Larry Zhan wrote

Actually it really makes no sense to argue with a feisty guy. But try to imagine this: if foreigners make gestures and even try to influence american staff, are you happy? Having said that, how many american people really have knowledge about Tebit, and how much do they know, but they prefer go adrift by destroying Chinese or China's reputation. Even a baby can realize that they are trying to screw something up, you guys just need to clean your own ass.