Ethiopian running legend Haile Gebrselassie admitted Sunday that it was "painful" not to be competing at the London Olympics, but held out hope he could make the Rio Games in four years' time.

"It's very painful not to be running here after all I have achieved," Gebrselassie said.

"The only thing I don't like here in London is that I'm not running here. I'm sorry for that."

He added: "Hopefully I'll be running for the next four years and you'll see me in Brazil. Why not?!"

From Agence France Press