News28 Aug 2003


Gebrselassie to attempt 10,000m World record in Brussels

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Gebrselassie, Bekele and Sileshi Sihine celebrate sweeping the men's 10,000m final (© Getty Images)

Haile Gebreselassie will make an assault on his own World record in the 10,000m at the Ivo Van Damme Golden League meeting next Friday in Brussels, the Ethiopian announced this morning in Paris.

I want to attack the World record at 10,000 in Brussels," the Olympic champion said, "because Brussels is very special.  Especially for long distances. With the drums and everything, its a big chance to break the record.  And I'm going to try."

His young compatriot Kenenisa Bekele, who beat him in the World 10,000m final here last Sunday, will not be in the Brussels race, Gebreselassie said, because he will start in tonight's opening round of the men's 5000m. 

While his attempt to win a fifth title in the 10,000m ended with silver, Gebreselassie said he wasn't at all disappointed.

"I have a lot of gold, so I needed some silver and bronze as well," he said. "I have one silver medal that I won ten years ago, and it's become a little bit dark. My daughter asked me what kind of medal is silver. Now she will be able to see."

IAAF

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