Countdown to Beijing

169 - Days until Opening Ceremonies

BREATHING LESSONS

U.S. Olympic Committee scientists developed a cloth mask with a carbon filtration system designed to filter out pollutants for U.S. athletes to wear in Beijing when they are not competing. USOC officials say they will recommend that athletes arrive in Beijing, one of the world's most polluted cities, as late as possible and remain indoors during days when the air quality is very poor.

They will also urge them to consider wearing the masks, which fit over the nose and mouth and resemble common surgical masks, when they are out and about in the city. The masks have been tested at a number of events in Beijing, though some athletes have been reluctant to wear them, officials said.

"What we are doing is clearly working with all of our teams and athletes and managing their expectations," USOC chief executive Jim Scherr said. "One of those expectations is that the air quality might not be what they are used to for international competitions."

DIVING FOR BERTHS

The United States will try to secure six additional Olympic berths at the "Good Luck Beijing"/FINA Diving World Cup through Monday in Beijing.

The U.S. team already has secured six spots but hopes for more in the final competition for federations to qualify for the Games.

The U.S. team includes David Boudia, Thomas Finchum, Laura Wilkinson and Troy Dumais.

Team USA is looking for spots in both women's synchronized events as well as two spots individually on men's 10-meter and one spot each on men's three-meter and women's 10-meter.

CALENDAR

Date	Event (Site)
Today-Sunday	Men's elite water polo tournament (Athens); participants include United States, Greece, Serbia and Montenegro.
Feb. 28-March 2	Pan American Championships in wrestling (Colorado Springs)