Gebrselassie could miss Olympics

Olympic legend Haile Gebrselassie was tonight facing possible Athens heartbreak with an Achilles injury threatening to rule him out of the Games.

According to his manager, Jos Hermens, the chances of Gebrselassie defending his 10,000metres title are “not looking brilliant”.

The veteran Ethiopian, who at the age of 31 will leave track athletics behind and focus on the marathon after Athens, is hoping to be fit to chase a third successive Olympic title at his speciality distance.

Reports in Ethiopia said that Gebrselassie had a problem with his knee, but the injury is more serious than was first believed.

“It’s an Achilles injury and it’s not looking brilliant,” said Hermens.

“But we don’t know whether he will miss the Games.”

It was in London on July 30 that Gebrselassie sustained his Achilles injury, when setting a UK all-comers’ record in the 5,000m.

The Olympic 10,000m final takes place on Friday night, making the pessimistic comments from Hermens all the more concerning.

Gebrselassie has had treatment in Munich from German specialist Hans Wolfhardt-Mueller.

After returning home, he recommenced training in Addis Ababa. But it is understood his preparation schedule has been affected by a recurrence of the injury.