• London Olympics 2012

Radcliffe confident of London medal challenge

ESPN staff
May 19, 2011
Paula Radcliffe is working hard to be fit for 2012 © Getty Images
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Paula Radcliffe has admitted the days of breaking world records are behind her, but is convinced she has the tools required to challenge for gold in the marathon at the London Olympics in 2012.

Radcliffe is on the comeback trail, having taken time out to have her second child, and she has mapped out a schedule hoping to peak in London next year.

The 37-year-old holds the marathon world record of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds. She feels a similar time is now beyond reach for her, but is confident the London factor can spur her on next year.

"If I can get there healthy with a really good build-up then I think I can go in and challenge for a medal," Radcliffe told Sky Sports News.

"I am maybe not going to run the fast times that I did 10 years ago, but I feel I can run under 2:20 and I feel that is good enough to win. And the added factor of it being in England and the support I will get from the London crowd, I feel that is going to give you an extra boost."

Radcliffe suffered heartache at the 2004 Olympics, abandoning mid-way through the race on account of illness, and injury saw her trail home in 23rd due to injury in 2008. She is determined to put up a bold show in 2012 and is spurred on by the setbacks of the past.

She said: "I also think what I have been through in past Olympics gives me an added bit of fire too."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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