We are told that socialism is our only hope to save the planet but apparently the Chinese didn't get the memo.
BEIJING (Reuters) - Unidentified members of the U.S. cycling squad arrived at Beijing airport wearing black respiratory masks, a U.S. Olympic committee spokesman said on Tuesday.
One woman wearing a mask which covered the nose and mouth was in what appeared to be an American team T-shirt, photographs showed. A male wore a white T-shirt with BEIJING in black letters across the chest.
"I suspect it was their choice, you would have to talk to them as to what prompted them to do this. I will say this, I am not a scientist, but in my view that was unnecessary," said Darryl Seibel, chief communications officer of the U.S. Olympic Committee.
A U.S. team official said members of the cycling squad were wearing the masks but declined further comment.
Beijing's pollution has been a cause for concern for athletes heading for the Games which begin on Friday.