The polution issue is kind of strange. I guess not many athletes have ever spent a smoggy day in LA (pfff). The next thing you know they will be adjusting times in events to the smog index in China. Those who ran/swam/jumped around like banchies, whatever. . .will get a "handicap" on high smog days.
The Olympics lost their flavor as soon as they turned into a "professional vs. amateaur" league of sports competition. I don't even watch them anymore.