Funny, I read the same thing as you and drew a completely different conclusion. I don't think the athletes are being pampered.

I think the athletes are being used as pawns in order to insult China. How would you like it if some Chinese guy walked into your house and refused to breathe the air in your kitchen?

It's really rude and China is right to be offended by the American snobbery.

At the same time, China does have a real pollution problem that these Americans are purposefully drawing attention towards.

China needs to do some housekeeping before they can be considered a good host, but the Americans are being lousy guests by complaining about the filth in the air.