In the world of marathoning, it is a race of endurance. The current World Recorder Holder is Haile Gebrselassie from Ethopia. He has completed the 26.2 Mile Race in just over 2 Hours clocking in at 2 hours, 4 minutes, 26 seconds. This is an average speed of mile in the 4:30's and 4:40's. Amazing right?
Video of His Marathon Record!!!
Being the world record holder has its perks because he is seen as an icon. The 2008 Beijing Olympics are nearly upon us but to Haile this is a bad thing. He has said "My decision not to run [the marathon] in Beijing is definite. Now I have to decide whether to run the 10,000 meters," "I was in the city in August and I know what the extreme conditions of pollution, heat and humidity are. It's going to be the hardest marathon in history."
He sites the pollution as one of the major reasons of not running. Most people think that other top athletes will follow suit because what Haile says go.
He the power in the sport of running to say how he feels and make chance.
One reason for the pollution is the massive population of Beijing. 17.4 Million people live in the Metro Beijing area. Another reason is 1,000 new automobiles are being introduce to the city every day.
Haile may be on to something not subjecting himself to those elements. If you are the best you always want to win. You dont want to put yourself in a bad position were you cant win. Haile is from Ethopia, from the country side. What sense would it make for him to try to win the Olympic Marathon in those conditions because if he lost people would question his greatness.
After Haile has spoken out. There are now talks of canceling the marathon or moving its location outside of the city because of smog.
Praise be to Haile!!!
John W. Davis
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