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Beijing pollution may be too bad for Gebrselassie

Haile Gebrselassie could withdraw from the marathon at this year's Beijing Olympics because of fears the air pollution could bring an early end to his career, his manager said.

Gebrselassie is the marathon world record holder, having moved up to the distance in 2004 following his fifth place in the 10,000m at the Athens Olympics.

However the Ethiopian distance great, a four-time world champion and double Olympic champion in the 10,000m, is known to suffer allergies to pollen.

Breathing problems were cited when Gebrselassie pulled out of last year's London Marathon, in which he finished third in 2002 and ninth in 2006.

And the humid climate of Beijing during August, along with concerns over pollution, are giving Gebrselassie some food for thought, his manager Jos Hermens said.

"He is definitely very worried about climate and pollution. He has some problems with his lungs and he is 34," Hermens said by telephone on Saturday.

On Friday Gebrselassie set a time of 2:04:53, the second-fastest time ever for the 26 mile event, on his way to winning the Dubai marathon.

"He would like to run until the London Olympics. If conditions are too bad in Beijing, his career could be over," Hermens said.

Hermens said in the event the Ethiopian great decides against the marathon, he could aim to compete in the 10,000m -- although with competition stiff among the Ethiopians, he would still have to qualify.

"He has not made any plans yet, but he is very concerned. We still have time and there are several options. Maybe he will run the marathon, or the 10,000 meters or both ... He still has to qualify for the 10,000 meters," Hermens said.

The issue of pollution is one of the International Olympic Commitee's biggest concerns ahead of this summer's Games.

In December, air pollution in the Chinese capital was so bad that people were advised to stay indoors.
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