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| | Friday, 5 April, 2002, 12:24 GMT 13:24 UK Radcliffe ready to rumble Radcliffe emulated Zola Budd and Lynn Jennings Paula Radcliffe has had her sights firmly set on the Flora London Marathon since claiming a second successive World Cross Country title last month. The Briton became the first woman in a decade to successfully defend her crown with a convincing victory in the 8km race in Dublin but is still struggling with a minor injury.
Immediately after the event, Radcliffe drove from Dublin to Limerick for another visit to physiotherapist Gerard Hartmann. Hartmann has rebuilt many sporting careers, including those of Liz McColgan and Kelly Holmes, and has been treating the British team captain for a knee complaint in the run-up to the Marathon. Niggle "I had always planned to see him after the race," said Radcliffe after scorching to victory round Leopardstown racecourse. "I have had a lot of small injuries but I have got through this okay. "It has never been a problem - really it is just a niggle," she added. That success in Dublin saw Radcliffe emulate the feat of Zola Budd in the mid 1980s and American Lynn Jennings, the last woman to produce back-to-back wins in the long course race ten years ago. Deena Drossin, who finished runner-up, saw enough of Radcliffe in Dublin to convince her she is in shape to make a stunning entrance over the 26-mile distance in London.
"Her marathon debut in London will be unbelievable," said Drossin, who made the fastest ever start over the distance by an American in New York last November. "She never ceases to amaze me." Radcliffe added: "I've gained confidence more through my training than from the race in Dublin. "During it I felt drained after the week I had been through. But I know I am in really good shape after the way I ran." | |
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