BellaOnline Forums Health and Fitness Asthma Did you hear?

Did you hear about the Ethiopian runner Gebrselassie? He has asthma and holds the world marathon record and two Olympic titles for the 10000 meters. He's refusing to compete in the summer Olympics in China because he's worried that the pollution will ruin his lungs.

I got to do an interview with Dominic Wilkins (of the Atlanta Hawks) one time, and asked him where the worst place he ever had to play was. He said Denver always killed him - because the air was so thin up there, it made his asthma absolutely killer. He felt like he could never get a full lung of air!

I heard that when athletes have to compete at higher altitudes, often they try to get there a week early. After being exposed to high altitudes for a few days, the body naturally makes more red blood cells so it can carry more oxygen. I'm sure this isn't a practical idea for athletes who compete in team vs individual-oriented sports.

That is interesting info that I was not aware of. We are in Los Angeles and I do not run, but will walk around the lake and use the ex bike indoors.

Wow, that's interesting. I personally am not supporting the China olympics. I am a oroud USOC supporter and donate yearly to the training of the athletes, but when they sent out the things for the china olympics I sent them back a letter stating why I could not support them financially.

interesting how others are boycotting the olympics for different reasons.