In the most serious blow yet to China's efforts to convince the world that air pollution won't affect the Summer Olympics, the world record holder in the marathon is skipping the event at this year's Games because he fears the Beijing air would damage his lungs.
Haile Gebrselassie said on Monday he would not compete in the Olympic marathon because of fears that Beijing's air pollution would damage his health. He does intend to run the 10,000 meters in Beijing, as the combination of a shorter distance and the 10,000 being confined to the Olympic Stadium will make it less damaging to his lungs.
"The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42 [kilometers] in my current condition," Gebrselassie, who has suffered from asthma, told Reuters.
He added that pollution "would be a hazard to athletes, seriously affecting their performances."
The question now is whether the International Olympic Committee should step in and move the Olympic marathon to another, cleaner venue. That would enrage Chinese officials, but it may be the only way to ensure the health of Olympic marathoners.
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. I have a partial solution for the excessive pollutants in Beijing. It can have an immediated effect on the quality of air.
All that I am looking for is a chance to talk with and/or demonstrate this to someone that can effect a decision.
Any help out there?
Posted at 10:40AM on Apr 8th 2008 by Jon Chynoweth