Final answer:
Elite athletes may suffer from low oxygen levels in their blood at high altitudes due to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen. However, the body can acclimatize to high altitudes over time by increasing erythrocyte production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elite athletes may suffer from low oxygen levels in their blood when exposed to high altitudes due to a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the air. This can lead to a condition called acute mountain sickness (AMS) that includes symptoms like headaches, disorientation, fatigue, nausea, and lightheadedness. Over time, the body can acclimatize to high altitudes by increasing the production of erythrocytes, which helps restore oxygen levels.