Gebrselassie’s Manager: Retirement In Question

The world-record marathoner is definitely reconsidering, according to Jos Hermens.

Speaking to marathon world-record holder Haile Gebrselassie by phone, his manager Jos Hermens confirmed the athlete’s change of heart.

“He was already a lot more neutral,” Hermens said, and indicated that Gebrselassie then told him, “Let me think about it.”

The Dutch manager will be flying to Haile’s home next week to consult with him. “If he takes his time, and he takes some time off with the family, I am sure that Haile will say, ‘From my heart, I want to run,’ Hermens said. “I already felt his first doubts.”

Hermans alluded to Haile’s knee injury, pointing out that it was worse than first reported.

“For two to three days, the injury had to be treated very intensively with injection, pulling out liquid. Lots of painful stuff,” Hermens said. “The timing was just terrible.”

Haile Gebrselassie dropped out of the ING New York City Marathon along the Queensboro Bridge near the 16-mile mark last Sunday.

As to Hermens knowing about the Ethiopian’s sudden retirement annoucement, Hermens had this to say: “I was totally surprised.”

For More: AP