Athletics: Gebrselassie makes a U-turn on retirement

ETHIOPIAN long-distance great Haile Gebrselassie has changed his mind about retiring and says he will run until the London 2012 Olympics.

"I want to thank everybody who supported me last week and gave me trust that I could still continue my career and that I can continue my road to London 2012," Gebrselassie said yesterday in a statement. "Running is in my blood and now my mind is clear again I can continue competing."

The 37-year-old runner had announced his retirement after pulling out of the New York Marathon on 7 November with ten miles to go because of a knee injury. But he immediately began reassessing the decision.

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"My announcement in New York was my first reaction after a disappointing race," Gebrselassie said on Twitter. "When my knee is better again I will start focusing on my next race."

Gebrselassie's manager, Jos Hermens, said last week that Gebrselassie was in an emotional state when he made the surprise announcement in New York.