From ABC News:
Athletics Australia says its Olympians will not march in the opening ceremony at Beijing because of concern for athletes’ health and welfare.
It is usual for swimmers and cyclists to miss out on marching because they are competing the next day.
But Athletics Australia has pulled the entire Hong Kong-based squad from the opening ceremony even though athletics events are being staged in the Games’ second week.
Athletics Australia’s national performance manager, Max Binnington, says there are concerns that pollution in the host city will affect the competitors.
Read also Aussie track athletes to miss opening by AP, and Olympic athletes angry by Jackie Epstein.
