May 18, 2008	Sunday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 12, 1429

LONDON, May 17: World marathon record holder Paula Radcliffe said she remains “upbeat and positive” about being ready for the Beijing Olympics despite having developed a hip injury.

Radcliffe developed pain in her left hip two weeks ago and, although it was not picked up in an original scan, a second scan showed that the gluteus minimus muscle had pulled away and put pressure on the bone.

The 34-year-old is now using crutches in order to relieve the pressure on her hip and hopes by resting now she will be ready for the Olympics in August.

Radcliffe will have another scan at the end of next week.

Radcliffe’s agent, Sian Masterton, said: “Obviously this is not ideal in an Olympic year but Paula is upbeat and positive that by resting for a week or two now she will give herself the best chance of being ready for Beijing.”

It follows Radcliffe being forced to withdraw from last month’s London Marathon with a foot injury.

Radcliffe’s ambition to chase a fourth London title was put on hold after she picked up an injury to the big toe on her right foot during an altitude training spell in Albuquerque, New Mexico in February.

That saw Radcliffe, after missing two weeks training, reluctantly withdraw from London and train with caution as she prepared for the Olympic marathon.

Ever since the disappointment of dropping out at the 2004 Olympics in Athens Radcliffe has stressed, even after winning the following year’s world championships title, that Beijing remains her top priority.—AFP