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Haile Gebrselassie Announces Retirement
 By 1999, Haile Gebrselassie was famous enough that Disney created a feature film about the athlete, entitled "Endurance." In 2004, with little modesty, Gebrselassie's biography was published, titled "The Greatest." But since 1999 and 2004, the greatest has only gotten greater. And through his endurance he has arguably achieved more than any other runner in history. Gebrselassie's achievements are legendary, he has won world championships, captured Olympic gold medals and set more than 25 world records, including the most recent two records in the marathon.
Perhaps recognizing that the days of setting world records were behind him - 2:03:59 is tough to beat! - Gebrselassie turned his sites to the New York City Marathon, hoping to add another achievement and victory to his stellar record. In the days leading up to the Marathon, Gebrselassie felt some pain in his leg and went for an MRI which showed blood in his knee. He started the New York City Marathon anyway, but dropped out at mile 16.
After the race, organizers brought Gebrselassie to the post-race press conference to talk with journalists - the typical sort of stuff. But what Gebrselassie said shocked all in the room. With little fanfare, and as Gebrselassie said, not consulting anyone else, he announced that he would retire.
It's not that Gebrselassie hasn't achieved nearly everything a runner can achieve. It's not that we really expect runners to continue running forever. It's not that Gebrselassie hasn't created an incredible business empire with his fame and winnings and deserves to retire. It's just that for years we've all been watching Gebrselassie and this marks a changing of the guard. And to see Gebrselassie, literally with tears in his eyes as he made his announcement - heartbreaking...
Below is the transcript and video of Gebrselassie's announcement.
Video:
Haile Gebrselassie Announces Retirement - 2:44 |
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"Well, I'm a little bit disappointed. Disappointed to myself. I knew this when I arrived here in New York. I told, you know, this is not that serious.
Okay, well, whatever it is, things happened I cannot change. One thing that I want to tell you today here in front of you will - I'm a little bit unhappy. When I announce this, maybe everybody becomes a little bit shocked. I myself I don't want to complain any more after this, which means it's better to stop here.
I did really...very hard training to win this race. It didn't work. Each time I don't come with -- if it's a problem like this and to complain again and again, it's bad for my -- all of you support me. Especially thank you to Mary [Wittenberg, head of the New York Road Runners], he bring me here to see if I can win in New York, and that's why I did very hard training. After this, I know I have no discussion with my manager, with anybody, but I discuss with myself. That's why it's better to stop here.
I never think about to retire. But for the first time, uh, this is the day. Let me stop and do other work after this. Let me do other jobs. Let me give a chance for the youngsters. Of course, I am giving a chance for the youngsters. Will I miss the race? It's hard to me, hard. Because, you know, I want to thank all of you.
Video:
Meb Keflezighi Talks About Haile - 1:25 |
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Video:
Mary Wittenberg Talks About Haile - 4:03 |
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Coverage Homepage
Post Race: Men's Race |
Women's Race |
Complete Searchable Results
Race Day: As It Happens - Live Coverage
Pre-Race:
Men:
Men's Preview & Starter List |
Men's Athlete Bios
Women:
Women's Preview & Starter List |
USA Championships Preview |
Women's Athlete Bios
Head-to-Heads: Elite Athlete Past Matchups
Extras:
Pace Calculator/Pace Guide |
Videos (Athletes/Archival/More...)
Additional Interviews:
The Chilean Miner! | Haile Gebrselassie & Paul Tergat
More News:
Press Releases |
News
Featured Book/Movie:
Run For Your Life |
A Race Like No Other
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