Skip to main contentAccess keys helpA-Z index

watch listen BBC Sport BBC Sport
UK version International version About the versions|Low graphics|Help
---------------
CHOOSE A SPORT
RELATED BBC SITES
Last Updated: Wednesday, 18 August, 2004, 13:14 GMT 14:14 UK
Gebrselassie set to compete
Haile Gebrselassie
Gebrselassie has been struggling for form
Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie has confirmed he will take part in the Olympics despite an Achilles injury.

The two-time Olympic champion is bidding to collect his third gold medal in the final on Friday night.

He suffered a foot problem while training in Ethiopia last month and aggravated it in London recently.

"If it was any other race I wouldn't have come. It only comes round once every four years," he said.

Gebrselassie, 31, will leave track athletics behind after Athens and focus on the marathon.

He admits he is not in the same shape he was when he won his titles in Atlanta and Sydney.

"Just like in Sydney in 2000, I have an Achilles tendon problem. This time it is not the right leg but the left," he said.

"I have had to cut back my training. I can't do the hard training uphill but I will run. I will try and I'll do my best.

"Any medal would be fantastic but I don't mind. It's just important for Ethiopia that I compete."

Gebrselassie will compete against his younger compatriot Kenenisa Bekele in the 10,000m.

Bekele beat Gebrselassie in last year's world championship and broke his 5,000m and 10,000m world records this year.





Links to more Athletics stories


 

ALSO IN THIS SECTION

E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs


Back to top

Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Paralympics | US Sport | Other Sport | Olympics 2004

Scores & Fixtures | Have Your Say | Photo Galleries | TV/Radio Listings

Sport Relief 2004 | Fun and Games | Question of Sport | BBC Sport Plus

Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales

BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >>
About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us
banner watch listen bbc sport