IOC chief admits pollution concerns

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge has conceded some Olympic endurance events could be affected by pollution in Beijing.

Four months prior to the Games, Rogge admitted the air quality could be "problematic" for events lasting more than one hour in the Chinese capital.

"For every effort under one hour there is no problem, no danger. The same goes for indoor sports," said Rogge.

Rogge suggested events such as the marathon, road cycling, triathlon, open water swimming and race walking could be postponed if the effects of the air pollution are exacerbated by the weather.

"In these cases, we will analyse with the meteorological experts the predictions of the weather," added Rogge. "We will see the weather, we may have to postpone some events."

The air quality was monitored during last summer's test events in Beijing, with no health problems reported and findings indicating the health of the athletes was not impaired.

IOC medical director Patrick Schamasch stressed that conditions will be monitored on a daily basis up to and during the Games and that athletes' health will not be compromised.

"Be ensured that the health and safety of the competing athletes is of the utmost importance for us," said Schamasch.

Beijing has reportedly spent more than US$15 billion in the last 10 years to tackle air pollution, and Rogge praised the Chinese government's efforts.

"I think China is tackling that issue in a good way," he added. "We applaud for the Chinese government to take many, many measures that will not only help the Beijing Games, but will provide a permanent improvement for the pollution issue in your country."