Ethiopia's former two-times Olympic 10,000 metres champion and current marathon world record-holder, speaking at a presentation held at the Sports Council of the Region of Madrid today, said the Spanish Capital “could host the Olympic Games tomorrow."

He said: “Madrid has the potential to organize the Olympic Games."

 

Gebrselassie is set to run on the track rather in the marathon in Beijing and said for health reasons the marathon races should be relocated away from the Chinese capital.

 

Gebrselassie who suffers from asthma, after announcing he wouldn't compete in the marathon, said he might reconsider his decision if his proposal was accepted.

 

But his proposal appears to have fallen on on stony ground even after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) insisted earlier today a move away from Beijing is not an option.

 

Gebrselassie however does not feel the problem will raise its head again if Madrid wins the right to follow in the footsteps of Barcelona which hosted the 1992 Games.

 

He said: "Right now, for example, if Madrid were asked to prepare the Olympic Games next year, they could do it.

 

"Here everything is wonderful, both the quality of the air and the people, who really love sports.

 

"I have no doubt that Madrid can organise the Games and I support this attempt. I hope that Madrid will have it."

 

Gebrselassie had backed London's bid in 2012.