Haile Gebrselassie has confirmed he will return to competitive running despite announcing his retirement last week.
Distance-running legend in retirement u-turn
Haile Gebrselassie has confirmed he will return to competitive running despite announcing his retirement last week.
The marathon world record holder dropped out of the New York marathon earlier this month midway through the race, with the Ethiopian struggling with a knee injury.
The 37-year-old immediately said he had run his last race but it wasn't long before the legendary athlete was known to be reconsidering his decision.
And his coach has confirmed that Gebrselassie will continue to run, with the London Olympics still part of their plans.
"On Saturday he travelled to Wollega (in Ethiopia), where there was a race being held, and he said that as long as he is healthy he will continue to run," coach Woldemeskel Kostre said.
"Local reporters asked him and he told them he will continue running.
"As long as he has the desire and the willingness he can keep running until he's 45. People here have been urging him to continue running."
Gebrselassie later confirmed his decision, writing on Twitter: "First I want to thank you for all your support and great responses. After a few days in the countryside I could take some decisions.
"Running is in my blood and I decided to continue competing. My announcement in New York was my first reaction after a disappointing race.
"When my knee is better again I will start focusing on my next race. Thank you again for all your support."
