Air supply

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BEIJING -- When an athlete’s blog starts with these words, ‘Well, well, well ...’

Well, you know it’s going to be interesting.

Mike Friedman was one of the four U.S. cyclists who sparked controversy after wearing black protective face masks upon arrival at the airport earlier this week. Of course, nothing escapes notice here, let alone a direct public shot at one very sore spot in Beijing: air pollution.

Offense taken. Apologies were issued.

But there is another side to this story and it makes a bit more sense when you read Friedman’s USA Cycling biography page. It says that he was diagnosed in 2006 with ‘a life-threatening pulmonary embolism that resulted in a severely damaged right lung.’

Friedman could have brought that up in press interviews and on his own website. Or he could have quoted one Don Henley (‘There’s three sides to every story, baby. There’s yours and there’s mine and the cold hard truth’).

He didn’t.

In any event, the carefully couched press statement is not the final word anymore. The athlete’s blog would be just that, and Friedman had something up on his own site earlier Friday.

Friedman wrote that he would do it again, if necessary. (Frankly, I was wishing I had one of his masks on the walk back from swimming practice this morning.)

Here is his posting, in part. He did write that he realized that the moment may have been poor timing.

‘Well, well, well, this is certainly not how I anticipated starting off my Olympic experience.

‘I can’t say much at this point simply because everything is scrutinized severely. It’s hard for me to not attach emotion to this, those of you who know me, know what I’m talking about, but what I will say is this:

‘I am only doing what I perceive as best for my health and upcoming competition. I, nor any of the other athletes involved were attempting to make a political statement of any sort. We meant no offense to the great host the Chinese have been and all appreciate the hard work and devotion they’ve displayed to provide this venue. We are honored to be here, and this has been a longtime dream. The bottom line is that we are here to compete faster, higher and stronger while doing so clean, brave, reverent and courteous trying to represent our country in the best possible way.

‘Everyone is entitled to their opinions. I will continue to wear my mask where I deem fit. It’s my life and health in the long run, and I would never do something that would purposefully or intently harm the best interest or the public view of either my country or other countries in attendance.’

Friedman went on to say that they weren’t worried only about pollution but also about falling ill, a valid concern on his part, considering his history.

-- Lisa Dillman