Retirement still not an option for a motivated Haile Gebrselassie

For immediate release 13 July 2010 For Sports Desk RETIREMENT STILL NOT AN OPTION FOR A MOTIVATED HAILE GEBRSELASSIE Haile Gebrselassie who will make his debut at this year's Bupa Great North Run on September 19 again reiterated because he still thrives on competition he has no plans to retire. Gebrselassie has been the dominant figure of global distance running since setting his first world record over 5000 metres in 1994 and adding a further 26 since. The 37-year-old Ethiopian still remains highly motivated although fetching silence at Tuesday's GNR press conference, when saying: "Really, I can say I am lucky to take part this year - before I stop competing." But the world marathon record holder quickly, added: "Of course I don't stop competing! "I want to win the race this year, it is really a big chance for me plus it's 30 years and an anniversary." Gebrselassie failed to break his marathon world record in Dubai in January and then two months later dropped out of the New York half marathon troubled by an asthma attack after eight miles. Those performances raised suggestions the "Emperor" may be coming to the end of his legendary career, although winning a third Bupa Great Manchester Run title in May but not under any real pressure from his opponents. But the former world half marathon record holder has again rubbished suggestions retirement is now an option, indeed his current plans still include competing at the 2012 London Olympic Games. "I recovered very quickly," he said after losing for only the second time in 11 half marathon contests when dust on the roads of the New York course caused his asthma problem to kick in. Gebrselassie added: "You cannot escape that kind of problem. I'm doing good, I had a short recovery period after the Manchester 10km. "Now I'm preparing for this half marathon and then I'm going to New York for the marathon (November 7)." Looking to the future, he insisted: "I hope I can do something special in London in 2012 at the Olympics." Gebrselassie despite a tiresome training and work schedule, explaining why he enjoys the sport so much, said: "It's the people who come to cheer me along, I would miss it. "How can I stop. You see I want to run, I want to go training and sweat but I need to get something from that. That is competition." Gebrselassie who had promised to compete in the Bupa Great North Run following his second Olympic 10000m victory a decade ago, but was prevented by injury, is determined to add his name to the distinguished list of former champions. "My top priority here is to win the race, it is really a big chance for me plus it's the 30th anniversary," Gebrselassie said. "It's wonderful. This race is a long story and it's going to be a great race come September 19." Brendan Foster the race chairman was also celebrating that the world's greatest ever distance runner has finally honoured the commitment he made in Sydney. Foster said: "What better accolade could we receive than Haile coming here to run the Great North Run in its 30th year. I'm thrilled." -END- For more information please contact Nicola Hedley: E: nicola.hedley@nova-international.com T: 0191 226 3231 Picture attached: Haile Gebrselassie at this morning’s Bupa Great North Run press conference announcing that he will take part in this year’s race.

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