• London Marathon

Lemoncello eyes Olympic qualification

ESPN staff
April 15, 2011
Andrew Lemoncello finished eighth on his marathon debut © PA Photos
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Andrew Lemoncello admits he has been inspired by Paula Radcliffe as he bids to book his place at the 2012 Olympics at Sunday's London Marathon.

Lemoncello, who finished eighth on his marathon debut last year, has his sights set on the Olympic qualifying time of two hours, 12 minutes.

The Scot competed in the 3000m steeplechase in Beijing but he admits marathon running was always part of a long-term goal.

"It is a dream I've always had to run the Olympic marathon," he told the Daily Mirror.

"I decided to switch from the 3000m steeplechase two years ago to make sure I had enough experience to run well when it came to 2012. Hopefully I can book my place this weekend. That is my main goal."

Lemoncello, who trains for much of the year in Arizona, admits he bases his own training and preparation on that of world record holder Radcliffe.

"Paula is an inspiration to anyone who has been a runner," he said. "It's everything or nothing for her. She leaves nothing to chance. She puts such detail into every aspect of life to get 100% from herself on race day. I try to emulate that.

"My days, weeks and months are all planned around the training and recovery. For me it's not a 9-to-5 job, it's a 24/7 existence."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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