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Haile told to obey rules
14/03/2008 22:10 - (SA)
Addis Ababa - World record holder Haile Gebrselassie cannot opt out of the Beijing Olympics marathon and must follow Ethiopian sports rules, the country's athletics federation said on Friday.
Gebrselassie, who suffers from exercise-related asthma, said earlier this week he would not run the 42.195km event because
he feared Beijing's air pollution was a threat to his health.
The International Olympic Committee said his
withdrawal was fully justified and that no one could force him
to compete, but the Ethiopian Athletics Federation said the
decision was not his to make.
The federation technical director said: "It's not up to Haile Gebrselassie to decide on participation in the marathon event in Beijing.
Voiced concern over pollution
"It is the Ethiopian Athletics Federation, representing the nation, that determines whether Haile is fit to compete in the marathon event in Beijing's Olympics or not."
The twice Olympic 10 000m champion, who will attempt
to qualify for the same event in Beijing, is one of a long list of athletes and officials who have voiced concern over pollution in the city.
Dube's remarks on Friday seemed to contradict a statement he made on Monday saying that it would be Gebrselassie's own choice whether to run in the marathon or 10 000m.
IOC President Jacques Rogge has said the long-distance
events could be rescheduled if conditions were too bad. A BBC
report quoted Gebrselassie as saying he would consider running
the marathon if the venue were changed.
Dube said a team of doctors and officials would decide
whether Gebrselassie was fit to compete in the event.
- Reuters
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