• London Olympics 2012

Radcliffe refreshed and raring to go

ESPN staff
November 9, 2010
Paula Radcliffe broke the world marathon record in 2003 © Getty Images
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World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe believes her extended break away from the sport has helped put things into perspective ahead of London 2012.

After giving birth to her son Raphael in September, Radcliffe returned to training after only a week. Starting with walking and cross training, she intends to be back in full work by Christmas. And while she refuses to set a comeback date, the London Marathon in April would be a likely target.

But while the world, European and Commonwealth champion only has one prize missing from her impressive CV, she insists she is not obsessing over that elusive Olympic medal.

"The Olympics are one day every four years and you're always walking that fine line between injury and fitness," Radcliffe told The Times. "I just want that chance to be on the start line, but while London is looming I'm not obsessive about it."

In the week that marathon legend Haile Gebrselassie announced his retirement, Radcliffe has no intention of turning her back on the sport. But while the Ethiopian has two Olympic gold medals to his name, Radcliffe's motivation stems from her desire to finally get her hands on an elusive Olympic medal at the fifth attempt, at the age of 38.

"Haile's done it all," Radcliffe said. "When I walk away it will be because my body will not perform and I'm not getting any enjoyment from it. Everything now is about London and working backward from there. I've had an extended period away and that had reinforce how much I love it. It's also given my body time to heal."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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