Paula RADCLIFFE
British athlete Paula RADCLIFFE may have never won an Olympic title, but she is by far the most decorated female long-distance runner in Great Britain.
After her spectacular victory at the London Marathon in 2003, where she set a new world record of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 25 seconds, Paula RADCLIFFE was the overwhelming favourite for the marathon at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.
Athènes 2004 - Abandon de la course no 1831 RADCLIFFE, Paula (GBR) Replay (2004) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
Athens 2004
However, fate had other plans. Just a few days before the race, Radcliffe suffered an unfortunate injury. At the 36-kilometre mark, she was forced to make the heartbreaking decision to pull out of the race. This was undoubtedly the lowest point in her career.
New York Marathon in 2004
But RADCLIFFE didn't let this setback define her. At the New York Marathon she emerged victorious with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes and 10 seconds – three minutes faster than the time set by Japanese runner Mizuki NOGUCHI at the Athens Olympics.
London 2005 – A new world record
At the London Marathon, RADCLIFFE made her mark once again, establishing a world's best time for a women's only race of 2 hours, 17 minutes and 42 seconds. She held that record until 2019.
Beijing 2008 - marathon Femmes – Liz YELLING (GBR) 26e et Paula RADCLIFFE (GBR) 23e. (2008) by Comité International Olympique (CIO)The Olympic Museum
Beijing 2008
Having won the New York Marathon in 2007 just nine months after giving birth to her first child, Paula RADCLIFFE finished in tears at the Beijing Olympics, finishing 23rd due to a stress fracture.
New York Marathon in 2008
10 weeks after her Olympic disappointment, RADCLIFFE crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds in her distinctive and assertive style, leaving the pack behind with a lead of nearly two minutes. This triumph was her third title in New York, adding to her victories in 2004 and 2007.
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