The Wire

More Australian athletes are pulling out of the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Beijing, citing fatigue, heat and pollution as an issue that could affect their performance. But is it pollution or politics? With the spotlight on China’s human rights record, some analysts are suggesting there may be other reasons behind the athletes choosing not to attend. Sports commentator Dr Peter Horton doesn’t think so. I asked him if the athletes should attend the ceremony as a gesture of goodwill.