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Olympic legend says Farah the man to beat in Rio

Xinhua, February 5, 2016 Adjust font size:

Ethiopia's dual Olympic 10,000m champion Haile Gebrselassie believes Britain's Mo Farah will be the man to beat in the event at this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Gebrselassie, who retired from competitive running last May, backed Farah to repeat his performance in London four years ago, when he won gold in the 5,000m and 10,000m events.

"He has a big chance," Gebrselassie was quoted as saying by Rio2016.com on Thursday. "Let's see what the Ethiopians and also the Kenyans are capable of."

Gebrselassie, 42, who will work at the Olympics as a commentator, is currently in Rio for promotional activities.

He said he was confident the August 5-21 Games would provide perfect conditions for athletes to perform at their peak.

"It's going to be a very good marathon here in Rio," said Gebrselassie, who won gold at the Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Games.

"In terms of comparison, Rio could be similar to the conditions we had in Athens, in 2004." Endit