Radcliffe warns rivals

Radcliffe is the hot favourite to win marathon gold

Great Britain's Paula Radcliffe has warned her marathon rivals that the heat in Athens will not get in the way of her hopes for Olympic gold.

Radcliffe faces soaring temperatures for her race, which takes place at 6pm local time on 22 August and will be her first marathon since April 2003.

"I think you have to take into account the course and the heat and I did that when I ran my last marathon," she said.

"When I felt strong I ran hard. That is how I intend to run in Athens."

She added: "No game plan is ever set in stone. That can be dangerous if you don't feel right on the day. Hopefully the conditions will be better in the evening."

Feature: Trying to tackle the heat

The Bedford athlete missed out on gold in the 10,000m at Sydney in 2000 and is determined to avoid a repeat in the longer event.

"I definitely hold more cards in the marathon in terms of how I run the race," she said. "I am probably the fastest finisher in the field."

The world marathon record holder is figured to be Britain's only realistic hope of an athletics gold, but Radcliffe says she can cope with such high expectations.

Nobody can put me under more pressure than I put myself under Paula Radcliffe

The 30-year-old added: "Nobody can put me under more pressure than I put myself under. I know what I am capable of.

"I don't think the outside pressure can be any greater than what I put on myself.

"At the same time, I try to stay focused and relaxed.

"On the other hand it's a form of flattery and shows that people believe in me."

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