The Electronic Telegraph Friday 3 August 2001 Tom Knight HAILE GEBRSELASSIE'S status in Ethiopia was confirmed on his return from Sydney, when more than a million people lined the streets of Addis Ababa to welcome him home after his Olympic triumph in the 10,000 metres. After a career which already includes 15 world records, two Olympic gold medals and four world titles, it is hard to imagine how Gebrselassie's reputation as the greatest distance runner the world has seen could be enhanced. In Edmonton, this extraordinary little man with the toothy grin has the answer. In his first appearance on a track since his Olympics victory over Paul Tergat, Gebrselassie will attempt to capture a fifth consecutive world title. The world has missed him and no one but Gebrselassie could have the nerve and self-belief to make a seasonal debut at a major championship. There is no Tergat in Edmonton, but winning the 10,000m here still represents probably the biggest challenge of his career. "To win a fifth title in my first race of the season would be wonderful, but it will not be easy," he said. The reason for his late start to the season lies in the damage his legs sustained through all his years of running. He has never been a fan of the hard, unforgiving tracks now favoured by the world's major stadiums, and in Sydney the punishment finally took its toll. Gebrselassie, 28, spent the winter recovering from surgery performed in Switzerland to cure the inflammation at the base of his Achilles tendon. His rehabilitation was slow but meticulous. He said: "To be injured is bad but to rest is good. I can handle both." He was ready to race in the recent British Grand Prix at Crystal Palace but, ever the diplomat, Ethiopia's biggest superstar chose instead to comply with his federation's orders to stay at home with the national team before their departure for Canada. It simply meant more training and there is little doubt that Gebrselassie is ready to put in a world- beating performance. The curing of his Achilles problem could even mean he is in better shape than when he outsprinted Tergat in Stadium Australia. Gebrselassie added: "To come into a competition like the World Championships, you have to be perfect. I have prepared very well but if someone is stronger than Gebrselassie, he can win." Sydney was supposed to have been his last 10,000m but here he is, back again. His marathon debut, postponed by the injury, will now come next spring. His manager, Jos Hermens, is in no doubt about Gebrselassie's stature, at home or abroad: "He is the Emperor. Ethiopia is a country racked by Aids, famine and war and Gebrselassie is their one true success story. He travels the country, giving out and receiving respect wherever he goes." Eamonn Condon www.RunnersGoal.com
