• London Olympics 2012

Fitness concerns for Radcliffe and Sayers

ESPN staff
July 25, 2012
Paula Radcliffe has not run competitively since a shocking appearance in April © Getty Images
Enlarge

UK Athletics chief Charles van Commenee has revealed that there are major injury concerns over the fitness of both Paula Radcliffe and Goldie Sayers with London 2012 just days away.

Van Commenee indicated that Radcliffe, looking to finally win an Olympic medal this summer, has only a 50-50 chance of competing in the marathon as she continues to recover from a flare-up of osteoarthritis in her left foot, a complaint that has prevented her from running competitively since a disappointing half marathon in April.

"Shall we flip a coin?" said Van Commenee when asked Radcliffe's current fitness. "Paula is Paula."

He added: "Paula is always a concern. She is on a thin line every day for the last decade. Nothing has changed."

With triple jumper Phillips Idowu's problems already well documented, Van Commenee admitted he has other fitness woes to deal with. Chief among them is female javelin thrower Sayers, who Van Commenee revealed has strained a ligament in her right (throwing) elbow.

Sayers - who broke the British record on her most recent appearance at the Crystal Palace Diamond League meeting last month, and finished fourth in Beijing four years ago - could not even touch her own head a few days ago, but is reportedly "responding well to treatment" and is optimistic she will be able to take her place in the field.

Elsewhere, Radcliffe's fellow marathoner Mara Yamauchi is struggling with a bruised right foot - while hurdler Andrew Pozzi is dealing with a tight hamstring.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices