Mizuno News

Gebreselassie could run Olympic marathon

Haile Gebreselassie may reconsider his decision to drop out of the Beijing Olympics if changes are made to the race.

The Ethiopian long-distance runners say he would consider competing if the International Olympic Committee (IOC) changes the venue and starting time of the event.

Gebreselassie, 34, said that the safety of all the athletes competing must be protected and moving the race away from the city centre would help to improve conditions.

"People must understand that this is a sporting decision and no different than what I make for every competition," he said.

Following from the announcement earlier in the week that he would not run in the event, Gebreselassie was keen to emphasis his decision was not an attack on China.

"I have nothing against China or their hosting of the Olympics. They are doing a great job," he stressed.

The athlete, who suffers from exercise-induced asthma, dropped out of the marathon this week over fears that running in polluted Beijing would affect his future performance.

He still plans to run the 10,000 metre race.

For marathon runners or sprinters, Mizuno running shoes can be found here.

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