Category: Sports

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China’s air pollution threatens 08 Olympians

Haile Gebrselassie the world record holder for the marathon run just announced that because of Bejing’s extensive air pollution problem, and his asthma, he won’t be running in the high endurance race.

China’s pollution problems for the Olympics have been well publicized on the net but are not fully well known to everyone in the states (stats are listed below). China had committed to the Olympic committee to ease these concerns and are doing so by moving factories outside the city, reducing taxi use and replacing them with more fuel efficient cars, replacing coal burning furnaces with natural gas, and even committing to closing plants all together during the events of the games. Still:

Runners coughed and gagged as they limbered up. Thick smog shrouded the Tsing Ma Bridge. Pollution index readings on this morning in February 2006 were at 149, the highest in months. Any reading over 100 is considered unhealthy.

A disturbing trend in popular thought is Gary Lough’s quote (husband of Britain’s Paula Radcliffe, a planned runner for the games) said:

“There’s no point in us being especially concerned, because pollution’s not really something you can control.”

Ahh but it is if we want to Gary, it is if we want to. And obviously if this is a situation that’s effect athletes that are in top shape, imaging what it’s doing to those typical day walkers that don’t have the physical conditioning?

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What’s wrong with China’s air:

  • China’s air was rated Worst in the World in late 2005 based on satellite data for all countries contributing pollution and particulates into the earth’s atmosphere.
  • According to the World Bank, 16 cities in the world with the worst air pollution are located in China.
  • The country’s Ministry of Science and Technology has estimated that 50,000 newborn babies a year die from the effects of air pollution.
  • China’s emissions of carbon dioxide, the most important global warming gas, are expected to surpass those of the United States in 2009, according to the International Energy Agency.
  • At a recent Marathon (in 2006), the pollution Index read 149 (Anything over 100 is considered unhealthy).
  • “Eric W. Orts, professor of legal studies and business ethics at Wharton, says that pollution, if left unchecked, will drag down China’s economic growth and result in huge healthcare costs. In addition, China’s pollution will, over time, erode its competitive position in the global economy.”

“It isn’t pollution that’s harming the environment. It’s the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.”
~ Dan Quayle (former Vice President of US, with George H Bush 1989–1993)

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Police action state…on the tennis court?

So today I was on my way to play tennis with a friend in Central Park and was prevented from doing so because of police action in my subway stop. I entered the gates and quickly noticed a tension from the community of people standing around the platform. Two uniformed officers were frantically searching the tracks and the platforms for someone; the same procedures were occurring across the platform at the downtown stop.

I spoke with a woman, whom said she saw a man jump the turnstyle and run down onto the tracks at the station. The officers quickly followed in pursuit. As a result, the police decided to not allow passengers to leave the station until they’ve checked everyone in the station (presumably looking for the suspect). Additionally, trains coming and going were not allowed to drop off or let on passengers until given the code green go!

As a result I was thirty minutes late to my work out. Unfortunately my partner had left prematurely. Although our court was given up, I was fortunate enough to meet someone that wasn’t able to use there’s and continued with my work-out unrestricted. Dealing with the control freaks at the central park tennis facilities is like dealing with militant officers unwavering in their own rule of law for managing patrons for the courts.

First NYers have to pay for the privilege to play tennis in the city, by purchasing a park permit for $100 at the beginning of the season. A permit, however, does not guarantee that you’ll play though. Next step in this process (and I assume this is only specific to Central Park), you must either purchase a reserve ticket for $7 a player for the date, time and court, or you must sign up early in the morning the day you want to play, to reserve the space. Reserving the space, you and your partner (all 4 for doubles) must be present 15 minutes before the time of play or you forfeit your court time. There is a no-show wait list and for those people that have not shown up 15 minutes prior or there’s open courts will get the opportunity to grab open space. This is very rare so get there VERY early for any type of wait-n-see options.

Other restrictions for the clay courts, are you have to have white flat shoes, follow all tennis etiquette rules, turn your cellphones and blackberrys off, and where acceptable clothing for the courts – I guess no jockstraps or bikinis allowed…

For the most part this is very efficient, yet very painful way to start a work out or have a fun time on the tennis courts. I personally am not a fan of the clay courts, preferring the hard courts and have been going to a particular spot where there’s less of a hassle and a better environment for a good time… no they don’t have courts at Larry Flint’s Hustler club… but hey?!