The Australian press is using words like "smog on the water" but I think it's humidity and poor ventilation within the Water Cube. It's a vast structure and has to many intricate shapes to allow for easy ventilation. (It was an Australian architect that designed it too.) Here is what the The Sydney Morning Herald said: While they were gobsmacked by the striking architecture of the venue, they were also left bewildered by a dense haze that hovered over the pool.
Australian head coach Alan Thompson said while many of his team had spent some time taking pictures of the bubble-clad stadium from the outside, the misty conditions inside had been noticed.
"I am trying to find an answer to that question … I did notice the haze," Thompson said. ..." [Link]
Also mentioned in the article is that Michael Phelps isn't talking to the media - he's focused, he's channeling Spitz, he's under lock-down and amping up for his close-up with history!I found the photo above at the Beijiner: [Link]
