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Gebrselassie Could Make Beijing U-turn

Posted March 13th, 2008 at 2:00 PM by Hariz Siddiqui

Section: News & Results, Marathons, Track & Field, Olympics

Haile Gebrselassie 2 hours 4 minutes 26 seconds world record real Berlin Marathon 2007 B Ethiopian distance running star Haile Gebrselassie says he may compete over the marathon at the 29th Beijing Olympics if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes changes to the event’s venue and starting time.

On Monday, the world marathon record holder and former double Olympic 10000m champion announced that he will not take part in this year’s Olympic marathon citing Beijing’s pollution and fearing the aggravation of his own exercise-induced asthma.

But speaking on Wednesday, the 34-year old said, “I do not want to rule anything out at this point. This decision is not about Haile. It is about all athletes who will be competing. Our safety has to be protected.”

Gebrselassie says a venue outside polluted Beijing and an early morning start are measures that should be taken by the organizers to ensure the safety of athletes.

“If the IOC makes the decision to switch venues and the starting time to the morning, then I may compete depending on how my training is going. I do not think it is entirely impossible that this may happen.”

Gebrselassie’s decision has generated lots of publicity around the world, but the star says that he was surprised by the amount of coverage his decision was given on Monday.

“I have won many world and Olympic titles and broken many world records, but I have never received this sort of publicity in my career,” he said. “People must understand that this is a sporting decision and no different than what I make for every competition.”

“I have nothing against China or their hosting of the Olympics. In fact, I think they are doing a great job at hosting the Olympics. I visited there a month ago and their facilities are just excellent. In my opinion, the medical facilities are amongst the best in the world. I also think that the Olympic stadium, the bird’s nest, is a great piece of architecture.”

And Gebrselassie stressed he will be going to the Olympics one way or another. “I have planned to compete in the 10000m. But first I have to qualify for the Ethiopian team. That is not easy.”

Ethiopia uses a time-based qualification for major track championships where the fastest three runners in the Olympic qualifying period (April to July 2008) will make up the 10000m.

In addition to reigning Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele and silver medallist Sileshi Sihine, Gebrselassie will be facing a battle against a host of up and coming young runners including All-African Games 10000m silver medallist Tadesse Tola and Abebe Dinkessa, a runner with a 10000m personal best of 26.30.

But Gebrselassie is confident of not only making the Olympic team, but also winning a record-breaking third Olympic 10000m title.

“I would not have made the decision if I was not confident of my ability,” says Gebrselassie who has recently increased his track preparations to his road regimen. “In one way or another, I am going to compete in Beijing.”

Gebrselassie is expected to return back to competition this Sunday when he takes part in the 2008 Lisbon Half Marathon. He will also try to qualify for the Olympic 10000m at the 2008 FBK Thales Games in Hengelo, Netherlands on May 24.

Written by: Elshadai Negash (Courtesy of Ethiopian Athletics Federation)