Marathoner Pulls Out of Olympic Event Due to Air Pollution

Marathon runner, Haile Gebrselassie has decided not to compete in the 26.2 mile event in this year's Beijing Olympics. The world-class distance runner, an asthmatic, feels competing in the Olympic marathon would pose a serious personal health risk and possibly impact his future running career. The 34-year old holds the world marathon record and two gold metals in the 10,000 meter race.

He told Reuters "The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42km. But I am not pulling out of the Olympic event in Beijing altogether. I plan to partipate in the 10,000-meter event."

Air pollution has been a major issue for the Beijing Olympics, even as China has gone to great lengths and considerable expense to clear the air of thick particulate pollution and other toxic emissions hanging heavy over the city. Gebrselassie's announcement may be the first of many as athletes evaluate the environment they will be competing in, waying the effect polluted air may have on their performance and health.

Also see past posting:

Air Quality for 2008 Beijing Olympics

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