Radcliffe keeps her fingers crossed over fitness race for Olympic Games

Radcliffe is currently on crutches to keep weight off the injury, and is desperate to atone for the disappointment of failing to finish in the marathon four years ago in Athens when hampered by a leg injury and stomach upset.  

But the 34-year-old world record holder, who since then has had more than her fair share of injuries but showed her resilience by twice winning the New York Marathon and the 2005 world title, is determined to compete in Beijing.  

Flying the flag: Radcliffe celebrates her New York victory last November

Radcliffe, who last month had to pull out of chasing a fourth victory at the London Marathon with a toe injury which caused the problem with her left hip, still believes she can atone for her Greek setback.  

"Little setbacks like this only strengthen my resolve to be there in my best shape," said Radcliffe, now back at her Loughborough home instead of her French Pyrenees training base in Font Romeu.  

Radcliffe is now hoping to come up trumps in her fourth Olympic appearance and finally improve on her best finish, which was fourth over 10,000m at the 2000 Sydney Games.  

Liz McColgan, the icon of British road-running before the emergence of the two-times world cross-country champion, believes despite missed training she can still prepare herself for Beijing.  

"There is plenty of time for Paula to get back into shape as long as she can commence training in the very near future," said the Scot.  

Radcliffe's club mate Yelling is also convinced Radcliffe will be alongside her at the start of the marathon on August 17.  

"If the MRI gives her good news, Paula has more than enough time to get herself ready," said Yelling.