Paula Radcliffe has always been one of my favorite sportswomen of all time and with each passing day she is climbing her way to the top of my list. While it is impossible, in my own mind, to put anyone above Nadia Comaneci (’the’ perfectionist and that is a long sounding the), Paula is soon getting into the second spot. It delights me a lot that in the times when my most adored sportswomen seem to be falling down from their pedestal, (Marion Jones & Martina Hingis! Why Martina, why?) Paula has pulled off this victory. She has given birth to little Isla just 10 months back and then has come to New York to clinch another marathon title in this city.
It is an absolute tribute to Paula’s work ethic that she has managed to make such a phenomenal comeback. I still remember the images of a shattered Paula Radcliffe from the 2004 Olympics, where she had to abandon the marathon. It was a heart shattering moment as you could clearly sense the pain across your television set.
But, life has come a full circle for the star. She now is happy with her new born & is back on track & looking as good as ever.
In a marathon filled with stars like Lance Armstrong & Katie Holmes, (& if you take a look at the picture, you would think Katie looks more determined to win than Paula!) Paula came out the true star as she beat her long time rival, Ethiopia’s Gete Wami. Bothe had a wonderful race with Wami close on Paula’s heel & even past her at a point.
But, she is Paula Radcliffe making her debut appearance in front of her cute Isla. This meant that the was not having any of it. She clinched New York marathon title & pocketed £65,000.
Maybe loosing the hat and the coat would help your speed Katie, Maybe...
Lance never knew how to quit...
She is a clean athlete with great grit and her distinct ‘nod’ as she runs seems as if she is approving of the fact that all is under control. It is nice to have her back & she says she wants to compete in 2012 Olympics too. That is great to hear & I’m sure all the Brits and many more would be backing her. The best part to hear was when Paula said,
Generally, the happier I am, the better I run. Certainly I’m a lot happier with Isla in our lives.
Great to hear that indeed & I hope you don’t mind me calling you Paula; after all, we are fellow Sagittarians.
