PAULA Radcliffe is refusing to give up on her Olympic dream, despite being told it is impossible'' for her to make Beijing in top form.

Radcliffe was thought to be suffering from a left hip injury but revealed yesterday she had suffered a low-grade stress fracture to her femur.

The world marathon record holder admitted it was a bombshell'' to learn the news but insisted: It's going to be tough but I'm not giving up.

It's going to go down to the wire and I will need a bit of luck.

It's been a nightmare last three weeks but I'm trying to stay calm about it.

Everything has been done with Beijing in mind, it's been a huge focal point and it's hugely important to me.

The World Championships come round every two years and I have won one but I haven't done what I want to at the Olympics.

I am looking at it as 90-100 per cent that I will be in Beijing, although other people will put it a lot lower. I can do it.'' Radcliffe said she had been told by specialists it would now be impossible'' for her to complete enough training to be fully fit for this summer's Games, with the Olympic marathon scheduled for August 17.

But the 34-year-old, desperate to make up for failing to finish four years ago in Athens, added: They felt it was not possible when I told them the levels of training I needed to do but I'm not giving up on it.

They are more used to dealing with ordinary people. I will give it every chance.

I won't go if I don't think I'm in decent enough shape. It's important for me to be at the Olympics but I won't go just to get the t-shirt. I'm not going to run through pain.

The first three weeks (after resuming training) will be crucial.'' Radcliffe hopes to be able to resume running in two weeks' time and before then will be swimming and cross-training at her base in France.