Radcliffe 'can go faster'

By Alex Trickett

Radcliffe must run only one event at the Olympics

Paula Radcliffe has the ability to smash the marathon world record again, according to long-distance great Liz McColgan.

McColgan is convinced Radcliffe can go under two hours and 13 minutes, slashing more than two minutes off her current record of 2:15.25.

But the Scot also believes a new generation of elite women runners will push Radcliffe all the way at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

"I think 2:13 is possible, but other girls are now running faster as well," McColgan told this website.

"Times of 2:26 used to be normal, but now you're looking at 2:20. If you're not running that fast, you're nowhere. The event has been taken to a new level."

Paula must concentrate on her strongest event - the marathon

Liz McColgan

McColgan, a former world champion at 10,000m, points to China and Japan for rivals to Radcliffe's throne.

"Paula's not home and dry," she said.

"There are girls training for the Olympics that will be capable of winning - Chinese and Japanese athletes solely trained for one event.

"Paula is not sitting on a pedestal and she knows that she must train hard."

McColgan was adamant Radcliffe would be making a mistake to attempt a marathon and 10,000m double in Athens.

"At this level, you must put all your eggs in one basket. I would rather have one gold than two silvers or a silver and a bronze.

We're going to get a string of girls wanting to be distance runners instead of sprinters

Liz McColgan

"The standard is so high and the Ethiopians are so good on the track that I think she would be stupid to do both.

"She must concentrate on her strongest event - the marathon - and go and get that medal. I think she'll wise up and do the right thing."

McColgan is delighted Radcliffe's example had raised the profile of long-distance running.

"We're going to get a string of girls wanting to be distance runners instead of sprinters.

"And that's great because the 10,000m and the marathon didn't used to be glamour events.

"Paula deserves her personal success. Nobody trains harder. Her attitude is superb, she has a really good work ethic and what she puts in she takes out.

"All she does is eat and sleep athletics."