Gebrselassie's decision highlights the pollution problem in Beijing

Finally Ethiopian Haile Gebrselassie, declared
himself fully fit and ready for another shot at the
10,000 metres in Beijing

25 July, 2008

China says it will guarantee clean air for the Olympics after marathon world record holder Haile Gebrselassie said he would not compete in the Olympic marathon because of air pollution.

The Ethiopian runner suffers from asthma and says air pollution could damage his health.

He will still compete in the shorter 10,000 metres event in the August Games.

Gebrselassie's decision highlights the pollution problem in Beijing after International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge said last year that the marathons or the cycling distance events could be rescheduled if conditions were too bad. - Reuters

Sonia Legg reports.