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No show: Haile Gebrselassie confirms he will not run in
London 2012 Olympics marathon
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Ethiopian distance runner Haile Gebrselassie has confirmed
he will not race in the London 2012 Olympics marathon.
Fans lining London’s streets this summer will be denied the
chance to see one of the true legends of the sport, whose record includes two
Olympic 10,000 metres gold medals, four world 10,000m titles, nine marathon
victories and the distinction of being the first man in history to run a
sub-2hr 4min marathon.
The former world record holder had entered the Tokyo
Marathon in February to achieve the required Olympic qualifying standard of 2hr
15min and to run quickly enough to secure his place in the three-man Ethiopian
team for London. But his time of 2hr 8min 17sec meant he is only the 19th
fastest Ethiopian over 26.2 miles this year.
Gebrselassie, who beat Paula Radcliffe in the Vienna half
marathon on Sunday despite giving the Briton a head start, has not given up
competing, however, and will appear at next month's Bupa Great Manchester Run.
"Although I will not be taking part in the Olympic
marathon I am still enjoying my athletics career and looking forward to coming
to Manchester again and to a course which I love," he said.
"It's flat and really suits my running style while I
must say the support I get from spectators, which I have enjoyed on every
visit, really motivates me to do well.
"I remember in particular my first victory when I
achieved a very fast time in what were perfect conditions but since then the
wind has always been a factor against me.
"Hopefully this year there will be none and that will
make for a much better race."
Gebrselassie will be joined by British pair Mara Yamauchi,
who has been selected in Team GB, and Charlotte Purdue in the Manchester race.
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