Radcliffe says she is '90-100 per cent likely' to run Beijing marathon

Radcliffe is currently on crutches to keep weight off the injury but 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.

Winner: but will Paula get the Olympic Gold she craves in  Beijing?

But the 34-year-old, who since then has twice won the New York Marathon and the 2005 world title despite further injuries, is determined to compete in Beijing.

And Radcliffe, who last month had to pull out of chasing a fourth victory at the London Marathon with a toe injury, still believes she will race.

When asked how likely it was she would compete in China, she said: "I'm thinking positive. I am looking at it as 90-100% that I will be in Beijing, other people will put it a lot lower. I can do it."

Radcliffe revealed she had been told by specialists it would now be "impossible" for her to complete enough training to be fully fit for Beijing.

And although she admitted it was a "bombshell" to learn of the fracture, Radcliffe insisted: "It's going to be tough but I'm not giving up.

"Everything has been with Beijing in mind, it's been a huge focal point and it's hugely important to me.

"It's going to go down to the wire and I will need a bit of luck. It's been a nightmare last three weeks but I'm trying to stay calm about it.