Paula Radcliffe had a fourth place finish in the New York Marathon. For most competitors, that would be a reassuring finish. However, for Paula Radcliffe, it meant disappointment and pain:
“… The way she stopped and vented her agony after finishing fourth, clasping her left leg, proved that this was another heroic effort, but also made you wonder how long her body can withstand the marathon toil. “Maybe I should have come back steadier and just written the year off,” she said afterwards.
Radcliffe has been so unlucky with injuries that you have to be an optimist to believe she will make it to London 2012 in perfect health.”
link: Paula Radcliffe facing the mother of all battles to land elusive Olympic gold
additional link: Injured Radcliffe vows to race on
additional link: Britain’s Paula Radcliffe insists she won’t quit on her 2012 London Olympic dream
There is speculation that Paula Radcliffe faces two formidable foes as the 2012 London Olympics approaches. She has to overcome age and injuries to compete for gold in those 2012 Olympics. There are whispers that Paula Radcliffe should retire.
The best response to those suggesting retirement may be a quote attributed to basketball coach Rudy Tomjanovich: “Never underestimate the heart of a champion“. And Paula Radcliffe is indeed a champion.
Catherine Forsythe
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