Paula Radcliffe is ready to take her place on the start line for Sunday’s Olympic Marathon and stated it would be “a hundred times better than watching on TV”.
Paula admits she still hasn’t fully recovered from a stress fracture in her leg but has had her best week of training so far.
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Paula said:
I have not taken stupid risks with my leg – but at every point I have tested it and pushed it a bit further because you’re taking a gamble.
You have to ask yourself ‘Are you prepared for the worst thing that can happen?’ And for me the worst thing is not to be able to finish the race, and I have already faced that in Athens.
There have been points when I really did not think I would make it so I will be the happiest of all the runners on the start line!
The key is being in there fighting.
The only reason I would not able to finish it would be if my leg could not handle it, but I have been encouraged as my leg has been coping with good amounts of running.
Not only will she be testing the weakness of a fractured femur, but Radcliffe will also have to deal with the heat, humidity and pollution of Beijing. Should be an interesting race. Good luck to you Paula!
Thanks for keeping me posted. I was wondering about the Olympic Marathon. I will have to check it on TV this Sunday. Do you have any idea for Men’s marathon?
Hey Ted,
Sunday 24th I believe…