Who would have thought that air-quality issues would ever be an issue at an Olympic venue? But in fact, there looms a huge smog problem front and center during this year's Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Right up to this week (and counting), the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is wondering if Beijing, the mega city that boasts 17 million people (many of whom, having left their farms, commute into the city for a chance for better pay and a better life), will follow through on its commitment for improved city air quality in time for the games. (Now the IOC has concerns about this?)

The plan was to enforce time restrictions on smog-producing traffic and factory emissions for the two months leading up to the games. But this proposal, which promised uncertain results at best, appears to be an insufficient solution. That a more comprehensive and definitive plan was not in place prior to the IOC granting the 2008 Games to Beijing baffles me. Obviously, it's far too late now, as the final details are falling into place and many athletes have begun their trek to Beijing for pre-Olympic acclimation training. Knowing that these world-class athletes train and compete most of their lives, often with the goal of achieving elite-level status and the opportunity to represent their countries in the prestigious Olympic Games, you would think that choosing the most optimal location would be a priority for the IOC. In the current scenario, there are no guarantees, and it appears that there are no checks and balances, just a promise and a prayer.

This is truly a lost opportunity for Beijing to secure its place on the global map as a visible mega city leader of clean air quality, self-sustainable industry and innovative organic farming. What a shame the cost of not doing so is so high and affects so many.

Let the Games begin!