The U.S. Olympic Committee apologizes for slamming cyclists for wearing masks they supplied.
- By VeloNews.com
- Published Sep. 16, 2008
The United States Olympic Committee has apologized to four Olympic track cyclists whose decision to wear facemasks into Beijing sparked controversy on the eve of the 2008 games.
In a letter to cyclists Mike Friedman, Bobby Lea, Sarah Hammer and Jennie Reed, USOC Chief Executive Officer James E. Scherr said, “We apologize if you felt that the USOC or your National Governing Body did not appropriately support you through this incident, and you should rest assured it was not our intent.”
On August 4 the four stepped off their flight at Beijing’s Capital International Airport wearing the black masks to protect against Beijing’s air pollution. The masks were issued to the cyclists from the sports science department of the USOC.
Photographs of the masked cyclists sparked a buzz in the international press. An apology letter was quickly drafted by USA Cycling’s communications director Andy Lee and Steven Rousch, the USOC’s chief of sports performance.
After the games, the four complained of foul treatment by the USOC’s director for sports partnerships Kelly Skinner and Rousch, stating that the latter, “Called the athletes a disgrace and issued an ultimatum: Either write an apology or risk getting kicked out of the Games.”
Scherr apologized for not ensuring that one of the USOC’s athlete service coordinators accompany the athletes during their meeting with Rousch.
In a conference call on Monday, September 15, the four cyclists acknowledged the apology, but called for new legislation ensuring that an athletes’ representative be present at any future meetings like the one they had with Roush.
They also called for Roush’s firing.
“He just treated us like children. He wasn’t interested in anything we had to say,” said Hammer, who finished fifth in the women’s individual pursuit.
Lea, who competed in the points race and Madison, called the actions of Rouch and Skinner “deplorable.”
“They should be held accountable for their actions,” Lea said.