Press Release - Berlin Marathon - 9/22/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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             real,- BERLIN-MARATHON Press Conference Highlights
                           Friday, September 22nd

     Haile Gebrselassie (Ethiopia) PB – 2:06:20 in Amsterdam 2006

"The conditions in London (where he finished 9th in 2:09:05 on April 23 
this year – ed note) didn't suit me. It was raining and when the road 
becomes slippery it affects my running style which is to land on the 
forefoot. Wet conditions can give me injury problems. But I've not changed 
my training, I've done exactly the same training as for London and feel 
very good."

"As for Sammy Korir, Sammy and I don't see each other much away from races 
but I know he's going to be strong. As for the rivalry between Ethiopians 
and Kenyans in general? We come from very similar cultures, our traditions 
are similar and we Ethiopians know how strong the Kenyans are."

"I know that Berlin is a very fast course, that's why I'm here! As for talk 
of world records, we'll see. If the weather is warm like today, will that 
bother me? Well, I come from the track and I'm used to warm weather. I'm 
sorry for those who will be out there running longer, but it doesn't bother 
me."

"I was given a copy of his book, "A Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson 
Mandela. In reading it, there were many things there that I knew about and 
others which I didn't. Nelson Mandela is a symbol not only for Africa but 
for the entire world. Receiving this book from him was more than a present 
for me, to be recognized by Mandela meant so much to me, it was a great 
honour."

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