Distance Learning Form Says She Should Win at a Canter. But After Her Athens Collapse and a 10,000m Eight Days Before Today's Marathon, Doubts Remain Over Whether Paula Radcliffe Can Deliver, Says Natasha Woods

Summary

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AMONG those watching Paula Radcliffe's forlorn attempts to claim a world 10,000m title last week were five Japanese athletes who sat around a television in their team hotel.

Today they'll be among those trying to thwart the Briton in the marathon.

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Distance Learning Form Says She Should Win at a Canter. But After Her Athens Collapse and a 10,000m Eight Days Before Today's Marathon, Doubts Remain Over Whether Paula Radcliffe Can Deliver, Says Natasha Woods

Did they sense weakness in her dogged footfalls? "No, we all sat together and thought she must be very strong indeed to run that race ahead of the marathon, " said Harumi Hiroyama, the veteran of the group at 37. There were collective nods of agreement from the rest. All five identify Radcliffe as the clear favourite to be crowned...

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