Paula Radcliffe withdrew from the women’s Olympic marathon on Sunday after a three-week battle with osteoarthritis in her left foot. The 38-year-old distance runner from Great Britain, who holds the marathon world record despite failing to medal in the previous four Games, had hoped to redeem her Olympic record. “From the day when it was announced that London had won the bid, taking part and performing well in the London Olympic Games has been a major goal in my life,” Radcliffe said. “The goal of a fifth Olympics in my home country, what better? The chance to make amends to myself for bitter disappointments at the previous two Olympics.” Radcliffe maintains that the injured foot, which has given her trouble in the past, is “degenerative and badly damaged,” but will not force her into retirement. Great Britain will request to fill Radcliffe’s spot with , who was the second fastest British woman in April’s London marathon.
Via