US Olympians Under 'Lockdown'

Organizing committee keeps close watch on athletes
By Elizabeth Harmon,  Newser User
Posted Jul 25, 2008 2:15 PM CDT
US Olympians Under 'Lockdown'
In this January 2008 photo provided by Milk Processor Education Program, U.S. Olympians pose for a Got Milk? ad in Los Angeles.    (AP Photo/Milk Processor Education Program)

The US Olympic Committee is keeping a tight grip on its athletes headed to Beijing. Ninety percent of Olympians are being "processed" through California's San Jose State University, and the USOC has requested that they not leave campus or talk to outsiders, an experience some athletes are describing as "lockdown," reports the Mercury News.

While on campus, athletes pick up visas and get fitted for the Ralph Lauren uniforms they'll parade in during the August 8 opening ceremonies. Organizers are reining in the Olympians because they don't want them to be overwhelmed by crowds. After a reporter spoke briefly to a member of the boxing team, an organizer ran up saying, "You're not allowed to talk to them. They are off-limits!"

(More 2008 Beijing Olympics stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X