The current world record holder in the men's marathon, Haile Gebrselassie, recently announced that he would not compete in the 2008 Olympic marathon, citing concerns about Beijing's pollution. Gebrselassie suffers from exercise-induced asthma and he's worried that the conditions expected in China could damage his body and affect his future performances. The 34-year-old plans to try to qualify for Ethiopia in the 10,000 meter event. While it's disappointing that the world record holder won't be competing in the marathon, I don't blame Gebrselassie for taking precautions. And perhaps this opens the door for one of the three American male qualifiers to take home a medal?

Exercise-Induced Asthma

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