Gebrselassie reverses retirement decision
It's nine days since Gebrselassie dropped out of the ING New York Marathon and announced his retirement from competitive running. He went into the run knowing that his knee was inflammed and he hoped that it would hold out but it didn't. At around 16 miles Gebrselassie did what no runner ever wants to do in a race. He dropped out, threw in the towel, called it quits. He was in a press conference before he could say the initials DNF and with emotions running high he said that he thought it would be best to finish his racing career now. The media were shocked and many were in disbelief. Gebrselassie is arguably the greatest runner ever and we were all looking forward to seeing him in action in London 2012 when he will be 39 years old.
Haile at the Great North Run
Those that were in disbelief were right not to believe that Geb's retirement could come about like this because, first we started to hear a few rumours that he was reconsidering and today the papers are widely reporting that he has reversed his decision and so we will be able to continue to watch his inspiring performances at championships and major races around the world. I remember the first time I went to watch him run 'live' - it was also the time that I had to learn how to spell his name! I was teaching at a school in Cheshire and we received a flyer from the organisers of the Indoor Athletics Grand Prix meeting in Birmingham, offering free tickets for our cross country team. I set about writing a letter to the parents to tell them that this would be an amazing opportunity for the runners to see Gebrselassie attempt to break the 3000m indoor world record. We travelled down there in the school mini bus and were treated to seeing, not only an awesome performance from the great man but also from his supporters as the arena was awash with the Ethiopian colours provided by the flags and banners of his followers.
Gebrselassie has inspired many not only with his running performances but also his personality. Unlike many of the African runners he has mastered the English language so that he can talk to us directly about his thoughts and experiences and his smile embraces all who watch and listen to him. He is an ambassador for the Great Ethiopian Run, which takes place on Sunday. It will be the race's 10th anniversary and 35,000 are expected to take part. Gebrselassie has been instrumental in the success of the event managing organisation that has given birth to mass participation running in Ethiopia. I am sure he will be there on Sunday and I am also sure that it will be easier for him to be there now that everyone knows he is going to continue racing. Can you imagine how hard it would be for him, if he really had retired, to face his fans this weekend?!
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