Olympic officials reject marathon switch

BEIJING, China -- Chinese Olympic officials have dismissed Ethiopian world record holder Haile Gebrselassie offer to run in the marathon in Beijing if the venue could be switched.

"The course for the marathon has been fixed and there are no plans to change it," said Sun Weide, spokesman for the Beijing Olympic organizing committee.

Gebrselassie, an asthma sufferer, said earlier this week that he would not run in the marathon in Beijing because he feared pollution could damage his health.

Since then he has added that he would consider taking part if the venue for the race was switched to a less polluted location.

Chinese officials were not happy with the suggestion.

"Beijing is a beautiful city, the marathon route is well planned, and the spectators are hospitable," said Sun. "As for the pollution, we are confident that we can deliver good air quality for the Games."

The marathon is scheduled to start in Beijing's Tiananmen Square and finish in the main Olympic stadium north of the city center prior to the closing ceremony on August 24.

On a visit to Beijing last month Gebrselassie said he had driven along the course and described it as "excellent."

After the initial statement that he would not run Gebrselassie later said: "If the International Olympic Committee (IOC) makes the decision to switch venues, then I may compete depending on how my training is going.

"People must understand that this is a sporting decision and no different than what I make for every competition."

International Olympic Committee chief Jacques Rogge has expressed concern about air quality in Beijing and warned that endurance events such as the marathon could be postponed if pollution posed a threat to competitors' health.

It has been reported that Gebrselassie has come under pressure from his supporters in Ethiopia to reverse his decision not to take part in the race.

Gebrselassie stressed that his announcement should not be misconstrued as a snub to China.

"I have nothing against China or their hosting of the Olympics. They are doing a great job," he said.

"I have planned to compete in the 10,000 meters, but first I have to qualify for the Ethiopian team. That is not easy," he said. E-mail to a friend