Radcliffe insists she will start marathon (From The Northern Echo)

Radcliffe insists she will start marathon

9:01am Tuesday 5th August 2008 in

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PAULA Radcliffe insists she will compete in the women’s marathon at the Olympic Games, even if there is a chance she could break down.

Four years ago in Athens Radcliffe began her bid for the one title that has eluded her throughout a glittering career carrying a leg injury and was forced to retire with a stomach complaint caused by antiinflammatories.

An MRI scan in May revealed a stress fracture in her left thigh. But the 34-year-old has made a seemingly spectacular recovery, although she has been restricted mostly to pool and treadmill work.

It means she has yet to extensively test her injured leg on tarmac.

Radcliffe is intent on reaching the start line even if her ability to finish the 26-mile, 385-yard course is unclear.

Asked what would make her still race if her fitness was questionable, she said: ‘‘The determination to find out.

‘‘It was different four years ago because I absolutely knew I was in really good shape but I wasn’t quite healthy.

‘‘I really felt my leg would stand it and it did actually take it. That wasn’t what stopped me, it was recognising the signs of illness. I’m really hoping they’re not going to happen this time because I was in really good shape.

Everything dropped on me two weeks before and it was a huge amount of stress to suddenly deal with.’’ Radcliffe has made up her own mind over her participation, despite UK Athletics performance director Dave Collins’ insistence on Sunday that it would come down to a joint decision between a number of parties.

‘‘I’m racing unless my leg breaks down and I can’t run.

That’s it. It’s already made,’’ she said when confirming she would run on August 17.

While the 34-year-old may have defied expert opinion that it would be impossible for her to be fit in time for the Games, Radcliffe admitted she was unsure over her medal prospects.

However, she drew inspiration from a similar scenario six years ago before she won her first London Marathon.

‘‘This time I think I’ve had the worst period of stress and now it’s just ‘get on and enjoy it’,’’ she said.

‘‘When I got to London after my knee injury nightmare I was just really happy to be there and ran really well so I’m hoping this is going to work that way.’’