American cyclists apologize for masks

Beijing -- Four American Olympic cyclists apologized Wednesday for wearing black face masks when they got off the airplane that had taken them to the Beijing Games.

They said they were simply being cautious about the much-publicized pollution in Beijing and not trying to make a political statement.

Michael Friedman, Sarah Hammer, Bobby Lea and Jennie Reed wore masks as they stepped off the plane. They will compete in track cycling, which will be contested indoors.

Friedman was diagnosed in 2006 with pulmonary embolism, a condition which damaged his right lung.

"Following our arrival on Tuesday, we offer our sincere apologies to BOCOG, (Beijing's Olympic Organizing Committee), the city of Beijing and the people of China if our actions were in any way offensive," the four said in a statement released by U.S. Olympic officials. "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."

Copyright 2008 by United Press International.