Above: NYT said it stands by its story after Haile criticized the
paper regarding an article on his retirement, un-retirement and
political pressure during an appearance on Ethiopian Television.
Latest:
NYT Stands Behind Its Haile Gebrselassie Story (LetsRun.com)
Gebrselassie return prompted by passionate appeals (Reuters)
Ethiopia’s World Marathon Champ ‘Angry’ At Reports
He Was Pressured To Retire (Voice of America)
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Haile Gebrselassie Reconsiders and Won’t Quit Racing
The New York Times
By JERÉ LONGMAN
Published: November 15, 2010
Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia, the distance-running star who stunningly announced his retirement after dropping out of the New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, said Monday that he had reconsidered and would continue racing.
“Running is in my blood, and I decided to continue competing,” Gebrselassie wrote on his Twitter account. “My announcement in New York was my first reaction after a disappointing race.”
Jos Hermens, Gebrselassie’s agent, said from Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, that Gebrselassie had reacted emotionally after leaving the New York course at 16 miles of the 26.2-mile race. He also felt guilty for having dropped out of a half-marathon in New York earlier this year.
“He wasn’t thinking when he said he wanted to stop,” Hermens said. “He was too emotional.” Read more.
Related:
Victory Dinner for New York City Marathon Winner Gebre Gebremariam – Photos
Gebre Gebremariam wins first ING New York City Marathon
Click here for NYC Marathon 2010: Results, Video, Photos
Video: Post Race press conference (TsehaiNY)
