London, England – British marathoner Paula Radcliffe will not run at the London Olympics because of a foot injury.
The British Olympic Association said the decision was made after Radcliffe went through a fitness test Sunday. Following the workout, it was decided she wouldn't be able to race competitively.
"This is obviously a disappointing day for Paula and our sport but it was important to her that if she made the start line it would be in the best possible shape," said Charles van Commenee, Great Britain's team leader for athletics. "It wasn't meant to be and she has taken the right decision to withdraw at this stage."
Radcliffe, 38, is the world recorder holder in the women's marathon and has won numerous prestigious races. She took three victories at both the London and New York Marathon, and won a world title in 2005.
However, she has not had the same success at the Olympics. Radcliffe sustained an injury shortly before the 2004 games and didn't finish the marathon, then finished 23rd in '08.
Radcliffe was disappointed to not have the chance to compete in London.
"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," she said. "The goal of a fifth Olympics in my home country, what better? The chance to make amends to myself for bitter disappointments at the previous two Olympics.
"Through a lot of tough times it has kept me fighting, motivated and focused. That is why it hurts so much to finally admit to myself that it isn't going to happen."
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