Pollution Concerns Knock Top Marathoner Out Of Olympics

Gebrselassie May Skip Beijing Olympics Because Of Air Pollution

Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrselassie, the world-record holder in the marathon, yesterday said that he will not compete in the marathon at this summer's Beijing Olympics because of "concerns about the effects of the city's pollution, heat and humidity," according to Katie Thomas of the N.Y. TIMES. Gebrselassie said that he "still hoped to run" in the 10,000 meters at the Games. Gebrselassie's agent, Jos Hermens, said that the runner has exercise-induced asthma and that Gebrselassie "feared that the conditions expected in China could damage his body and prevent him from competing on a high level in the future." Thomas notes Gebrselassie's decision is a "blow to Beijing Olympic officials, who have sought to allay athletes' concerns about pollution by promising to improve air quality before the Games." While for most athletes the Olympics "represent the zenith of their sport," marathons in Berlin, N.Y. and Chicago "carry perhaps more prestige and financial reward" for long-distance runners. Meanwhile, tennis player Justine Henin has said previously that she was "considering not competing" in the Games because of air quality concerns (N.Y. TIMES, 3/11). Gebrselassie: "The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42km in my current condition" (REUTERS, 3/11). In Manchester, Michael Phillips writes Gebrselassie's decision "could have wide-ranging implications among other competitors." His opting not to participate "removes one of the Games' showpiece occasions of its greatest character" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 3/11).