Guide Note

Beijing, China's air quality has become a major international issue—especially among athletes—in the run-up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Chinese government has been working on improving air quality for several years and remains adamant that pollution will be at acceptable levels in time for the Olympics in August 2008. Still, the IOC has said that some events, like cycling and distance running, may have to be postponed.

Fast Facts

1. Number of "blue sky days," 1998: 100¹
2. Number of "blue sky days," 2007: 246²
3. China has spent $16.9 billion on air quality improvement³
4. Car exhaust, construction dust and industrial exhaust biggest contributors
5. From March 20, 2008, all earthwork construction on windy days suspended
6. Formal ban on construction issued from July 21 to September 20, 2008
7. Many athletes trained in neighboring Japan and South Korea
8. World record holder Haile Gebrselassie has withdrawn from the marathon

On March 10, 2008, current marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie said he will not compete in the marathon in Beijing due to concerns over air pollution. Gebrselassie is the first athlete to protest or withdraw from an event over pollution concerns.⁴