“The pollution in China is a threat to my health" - Haile Gebrselassie

ADDIS ABABA — Marathon world record-holder Haile Gebrselassie said yesterday he would not compete in the Olympic marathon because of fears that Beijing’s air pollution would damage his health.

The Ethiopian runner, who suffers from asthma, said he would still compete in the shorter 10000m event in the August Games.
“The pollution in China is a threat to my health and it would be difficult for me to run 42km in my current condition,” he said in an interview yesterday.
“But I am not pulling out of the Olympic event in Beijing all together. I plan to participate in the 10000m event,” he said.

Pollution is a major issue facing Beijing in the run-up to the Olympic Games.

Rest of Reuters story here.