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Gebrselassie may consider U-turn

2 hours ago
Ethiopia's Haile Gebrselassie has revealed he could perform a remarkable U-turn on his decision to withdraw from this year's Olympic marathon if organisers switch the race to a new venue away from the centre of Beijing.
The 34-year-old, who suffers from asthma, said on Monday that due to the high levels of pollution in Beijing he would not compete in the showpiece race around the streets of the Chinese capital.
Gebrselassie has reportedly come under pressure from his expectant homeland to reverse his decision, and on Wednesday told reporters in Addis Ababa: "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."
He added: "If the IOC makes the decision to switch venues, then I may compete depending on how my training is going.
"I do not think it is entirely impossible that this may happen.
"People must understand that this is a sporting decision and no different than what I make for every competition."
Gebrselassie, who set a new marathon world record with a time of two hours four minutes 26 seconds in Berlin in September, also revealed that his announcement on Monday should not be misconstrued as a snub to China.
"I have nothing against China or their hosting of the Olympics," he continued. "In fact, I think they are doing a great job at hosting the Olympics."
His manager, Jos Hermens, took a more cautious approach to Gebrselassie's participation in the marathon, suggesting that the Ethiopian might choose to opt out of a punishing race in Beijing in favour of a tilt at the title in kinder conditions at London 2012.
"The decision was taken due to a combination of factors, including heat and humidity," Hermens said. "With the exception of Sydney 2000 there has not been an Olympic Games since Moscow 1980 when conditions have not been extreme for distance runners."



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