Haile Gebrselassie Just Announced His Retirement from the Sport

that's four years, and 37 (i.e. ~40) isn't relatively that much younger than 35 (i.e. ~38), is it?

Shalane Flanagna's, Meb Keflezighi's, Gebre Gebremariam's, and Mary W's thoughts on Geb's retirement:

http://www.letsrun.com/2010/pros-haile-1107.php

Mid-30s is when it really hits you. Look at how much speed Lagat has lost in the last few years--he can still run well in long races, but he doesn't have the speed anymore.

Geb was like that in 2008--right there in the Olympic 10k, but just couldn't kick with the young guys. Now age is starting to eat away at his body too. Can't stay healthy...he probably COULD still run 2:06 or 2:08, but he is tired of making excuses and doesn't want to keep disappointing his supporters. Tragic, really. On one hand, one of the reasons he was on top for so long was because he was beloved by so many millions around the world, and now despite being physically able to continue running and competing at a very high level, does not want to run if he cannot be the very best. Not for his own good, but to please his fans.

I think Gebrselassie, along with El Guerrouj, Bekele, and Paul Tergat, will be remembered as the man who brought running into the 21st century. Smashing records and setting totally new standards for what entails greatness.

Geb Favre ;-)

Watch, he'll race again.

"I am retiring.....Blah blah blah.."

Right Geb....

I don't mean any disrespect as far as his tremendous career but few greats know how to end it.

fuser wrote:

that's four years, and 37 (i.e. ~40) isn't relatively that much younger than 35 (i.e. ~38), is it?

Geb is much older than that.

Im a kenya athlete paced for Haille in Fukuoka marathon. He is an Icon,a legend a hero and a mentor. He inspired me to do run my PR behind him the following race after pacing him. I salute him for holding the sport high up for many years. He got those medals,trophies and wealth that he has wisely invested.

He got an eye on Ethiopia presidential sit,im sure he gets it and change the country the same way he broke the 27 world record. Athletics chapter may b closed But he has a brighter future in politics where he will impact more people. He is a legend. All the best GEB

Equinox2100 wrote:

[quote]wejo wrote:

He won his first Olympic Gold (10) in 1996. I was 6. I had just entered Kindergarten.

You entered kindergarten at age 6?

I have enjoyed watching Geb run, but retirement from anything when it's not premature (and at age 37, even though he is still capable of world-class times, is NOT premature for this guy) should be a desired goal for everyone; it's a new chapter in his life, and new chapters are awesome.

I hope he really does stay retired. He's within a stone's throw of really not being able to run world class times anymore anyway, so why not go out now? He can spend more time with his businesses.

Might be cool so see him come back at age 50 to see what kind of amazing times he could throw down then, but for now, I'm just happy for the guy.