Asthma Follow

As thousands of athletes prepare to breathe deeply in one of the world's most polluted cities, one group of Olympic competitors is contemplating a special challenge. Beijing's Olympic Green is shrouded in smog Monday, just days before the start of the 2008 Olympic Games. Pollution has been a worry ever since Beijing was picked in 2001 to host the Games in which athletes, many with asthma, will be performing at peak. In this image reviewed by the Chinese military, a power station is seen Saturday through Beijing haze. China has struggled to improve its air quality for the Olympics, but particulate readings remained high over the weekend ? similar to those during our recent wildfires. Beijing's dirty air has raised concerns among doctors and athletes: Fearing for his health, Ethiopian runner Haile Gebrselassie opted out of the marathon. Monarchs forward DeMya Walker, who has asthma, works out in a North Sacramento gym. "You can still enjoy life and be active," Walker says.