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Valencia World record holder Haile Gebrselassie is almost certain to miss the marathon at the Beijing Olympics because of the city's poor air quality.
The Ethiopian, who has asthma, fears damage to his health by running through the streets of the Chinese capital. The 34-year-old Gebrselassie would be a gold medal favourite if he did take part.
"That is not yet decided," Gebrselassie said.
Gebrselassie will make a final decision after the Hengelo meet on May 24 in the Netherlands, when he will know if he has qualified for the 10,000-metre race in Beijing, his agent Jos Hermens said in a telephone interview yesterday. Gebrselassie already has two Olympic titles in the 10,000.
High temperatures could also be a problem in the marathon for Gebrselassie, Hermens said. "Haile wants to do everything possible for his country," Hermens said. "With three Ethiopians, they could get gold, silver and bronze."
Pollen allergy
Gebrselassie has had problems with his lungs in the past and is known to have a pollen allergy. Hermens said many racers who have performed in damaging conditions have never returned to their best.
"It may be 1 or 2 per cent (damage), but that means a lot for such an athlete," Hermens said. "And if you look deep into his heart, he wants another marathon record."
Gebrselassie's record is 2 hours, 4 minutes, 26 seconds. He also wants to keep running until the 2012 London Games, where the climate would better suit him.
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