Radcliffe is aiming for Olympic gold in 2004

BBC Sports Personality of the Year Paula Radcliffe will defend her London Marathon title in her only race at the distance before the Olympics in 2004.

Radcliffe was victorious in her first attempt at the marathon in the capital earlier this year and then smashed the world record in Chicago.

She said: "The time difference between the World Championships and the autumn marathons isn't that big this year.

"I will have 18 weeks between the Flora London Marathon and Paris and that will give me plenty of time to recover."

Radcliffe sliced 82 seconds off the women's world record in Chicago in only her second race at the distance and believes she can further improve it.

"I think it's possible to run faster in the future than I did in Chicago but the important thing is to win the race," said Radcliffe.

Radcliffe has also added her support to London's bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012.

She feels that the country is well prepared for the event after successfully staging the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

She said: "There is no reason why Britain cannot host an Olympic Games and do it very well. All the athletes felt that everything went very smoothly in Manchester.

"Staging the Olympics would boost the profile of athletics so much, and more youngsters would want to take up the various sports.

"For those already in the sport it is a great inspiration to have the chance to compete in a major championship in your own country."

Radcliffe added that she would consider becoming involved as an ambassador as Britain steps up its bid to win the race to stage the 2012 Games.

"At the moment I have to have enough time to dedicate to my training, but if I was asked to help I would do whatever I could," she said.