Mota backs Radcliffe 10,000m bid

By Phil Gordos
BBC Sport in Athens

Radcliffe to run 10,000m Steve Cram's reaction

Athletics legend Rosa Mota says Paula Radcliffe can overcome her Olympic marathon misery and win a medal in Friday's 10,000m final.

"Paula's a great athlete and very strong," Mota told the BBC Sport website.

"I think she can win a medal and I will be in the Olympic Stadium cheering her on."

Mota, who won Olympic marathon gold in 1988, admits it will be tough for Radcliffe to bounce back from Sunday's disappointment when she pulled out of the marathon with four miles to go.

"It's easy when you win, but when you lose it can be difficult mentally," said the 46-year-old from Portugal.

"I hope she can win the mental battle because she deserves a medal. She has worked so hard."

Mota knows a little of what Radcliffe is going through.

"I dropped out of a marathon once, in the World Championships," said Mota.

"The first thing you think about is the people back home, in my case Portugal. It was the same for Paula. She didn¿t want to upset anyone.

"But I know the British public are behind her. I think they know how hard she works and did her best. She was just not able to do what everyone wanted her to."

Mota admits she shed a tear when she watched Radcliffe's demise on the big screen in the Panathinaiko Stadium, the venue for the finish of the marathon.

The Greek people love Paula Rosa Mota on Radcliffe

"I cried," she said. "But Paula made the right decision. If she had carried on she would only have suffered more.

"My toughest competitor was always myself. It's the same for Paula. She wanted a medal but her body said 'no'."

Radcliffe confirmed on Friday morning she would definitely run in the final, which is due to start at 1950 BST.

Mota believes she will have plenty of backing inside the Olympic Stadium and not just from the British fans.

"The Greek people love Paula," said Mota.

"I was sitting with a lot of Greek people in the Panathinaiko Stadium on Sunday. When she stopped they were urging her to continue. Everybody was so sad.

"But they will cheer her on Friday and so will I."