Paula Radcliffe Withdraws From London 2012

Paula Radcliffe has been ruled out of the London 2012 women's marathon due to "medical reasons."

It was confirmed the long distance runner would have withdraw after days of speculation about her fitness after a reccurring foot problem flared up again.

A statement on the UK Athletics website read: "The British Olympic Association and UK Athletics announced this afternoon that marathon athlete Paula Radcliffe is being withdrawn from Team GB due to medical reasons.

"Radcliffe has been suffering with a foot problem and after a fitness test on Sunday it was concluded that she would not be able to race competitively to the best of her abilities."

A desperately disappointed Radcliffe said: "From the day when it was announced that London had won the bid, taking part and performing well in the London Olympic Games has been a major goal in my life.

"My sport is a beautiful sport, it gives so much fun and enjoyment, I believe it helps me to be a better person, and I have been very fortunate to experience some great success and have so many beautiful and happy memories.

"However, the downside is that it can break your heart and spirit many times over when your body is simply unable to match what your heart and brain want it to do.

"Sadly mine is not a career or a hobby where mind over matter can work when your body is hurt, nor where giving less than your best each day can ever work."

No-one tells us in advance where the limits of our own bodies lie, and pushing these limits is the only way we can ever achieve our highest goals and dreams.

"As desperate as I was to be part of the amazing experience of the London Olympics, I don't want to be there below my best. If I can't be there and give it my best, then I would rather someone else who can do that is able to be there."