Haile Gebrselassie's Sports Injuries
Type of Sport: Track And Field
Haile Gebrselassie's Sports Injuries Table
| Type | Area | Date | Consequences | Content | How It Happened | Recovery Duration | Rehabilitation Details | Impact On Career | Psychological Impact | Previous Injuries | Return To Competition | Severity | Treatment | Medical Staff | Long Term Impact | Preventive Measures | Competition Missed | Initial Symptoms | Re Injury Risk | Support System | Rehabilitation Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle Injuries | Right Ankle | 2007-04-14 | Missed several weeks of training | Haile Gebrselassie suffered a significant right ankle injury while preparing for a marathon. This injury caused him to miss crucial training sessions and impacted his performance in the following races. | During a long-distance training session | 6 weeks | Physical therapy and rest | Temporary setback but successfully returned to competition | Experienced frustration but remained determined | None related to this specific area | 2007-06-01 | Moderate | Physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications | Team physiotherapist | No lasting effects | Strengthening exercises and better footwear | Several local races | Sharp pain and swelling | Moderate | Team and family support | Ethiopia |
| Back Injuries | Lower Back | 2010-11-06 | Forced to withdraw mid-race | Gebrselassie suffered a lower back injury during the New York City Marathon, which forced him to withdraw from the race. This injury was significant enough to make him consider retirement. | During the New York City Marathon | 12 weeks | Physiotherapy, rest, and gradual return to training | Made him contemplate retirement but later continued | Significant distress, leading to temporary retirement announcement | No major previous back injuries | 2011-02-01 | Severe | Physical therapy, rest, and pain management | Team doctor and physiotherapist | Managed with ongoing therapy | Regular back strengthening exercises and proper stretching | New York City Marathon and other planned events | Severe back pain and stiffness | Moderate | Family, medical staff, and coach | United States |
| Knee Injuries | Left Knee | 2008-03-09 | Withdrew from the race and missed subsequent training | During a half marathon, Gebrselassie experienced severe pain in his left knee, forcing him to withdraw from the race. This injury required significant recovery time and impacted his training schedule. | While competing in a half marathon | 8 weeks | Intensive physiotherapy and rest | Affected his preparation for upcoming major competitions | Concern over long-term impact but stayed focused | Previous minor injuries to the same knee | 2008-05-05 | Severe | Physiotherapy, rest, and medical intervention | Sports doctor and physiotherapist | Occasional discomfort but manageable | Regular knee strengthening and conditioning exercises | Several international races | Sharp pain and inability to continue running | High | Medical team and family | Ethiopia |
Haile Gebrselassie's Sports Injuries Videos
Haile Gebrselassie Gets Punched in the Head!
Haile Gebrselassie rose to international prominence in 1992 when he won the 5000m and 10000m World Junior...
Overpronation: The Truth
I'm Dr. Silverman from New Jersey Sports Medicine and Performance Center. You're watching Haile Gebrselassie, the world's greatest runner with 24 World Records over a career of almost 20 years. Despite what some would call horrible overpronation—excessive inward rotation of the foot and ankle upon impact—he runs injury-free.
If this was video from a running store, Haile would likely be put in stability or motion control sneakers, and if injured, the medical establishment would prescribe orthotics to "cure" his overpronation. However, you can't just look at the feet and treat overpronation.
Examining Haile's form, his spine is incredibly strong and his hips do not drop, indicating strong abductors. Although his foot overpronates, his knee and hips remain stable. Additionally, Haile's cadence is almost 190 steps per minute, minimizing his impact time. His pronation is actually nature's protection to his impact.
I'm Dr. Silverman, defending pronation. See you on the road—I'm going for a run.
