NSW: Pollens may cripple games competitors, study shows

AAP General News (Australia)
08-21-1999
NSW: Pollens may cripple games competitors, study shows

SYDNEY, Aug 21 AAP - Pollen levels at Olympic sites reportedly may cripple allergy-prone
athletes during the games, doctors have warned.

The Weekend Australian reported today that a six-year study had shown that pollen levels
will peak in Homebush just before the games begin next year.

One of the study's authors, Dr Connie Katelaris, said the threat of hayfever adversly
affecting athletes was compounded because many athletes did not know they suffered allergies.

"Most of them aren't on treatment, most of them haven't had any treatment because most of
them don't know they have a problem," Dr Katelaris, a consultant immunologist, said.

"When athletes are looking at peak performance physically, emotionally and intellectually
as well, they just can't rise to their very best," she said.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) was so concerned it had begun testing athletes for
allergies, the story said.

AAP pwa/cdh

KEYWORD: OLY POLLEN

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