|
The London Marathon 2003 summary |
After the race, Radcliffe’s fitness guru, Gerard Hartmann,
said: "What Paula has achieved is a quantum leap not
only for women’s marathon-running but the men’s
as well. After her achievement today, everyone should be re-thinking
their game plan."
With this said, we can only wonder whether 'Superwoman' can
live up to Hartmann's sentiments.
For the race itself, Radcliffe was purely spectacular and
the Men's race was enthralling, with 5 runners locked in battle
over the final 200m.
Once all the dust had settled regarding the pacemakers, which
she had for company however at no time did she 'slipstream'
them to gain the benefit of a 'buffer', Radcliffe was to be
subjected to murmurings of 'blood doping' etc ...
Time-to-Run has mentioned
elsewhere in the Marathon
Section, that Women's Marathoning was due for a major shake-up,
as the distance had progressed in line with the Men's record
and that the Golden Years were in the early 80's. Thereafter
the record was reduced to sub 2:20 and then to sub 2:19 a
week later.
Then Radcliffe arrived and she has now moved the time to
a landmark 2:15 which will probably stand for another number
of years, just as the 2:20 time stood for years.
The Brit is a dedicated athlete and her focus is supreme,
the amount of money available to her now is phenomenal, and
she can race sparingly. This will allow for her to have another
'crack' at going sub 2:15.
On the Men's side, Gezahegne Abera of Ethiopia, by winning
in a sprint finish in 2:07:56, added to his allure of being
a Big Day exponent. He will now go towards the Paris World
Championship Marathon with an even higher status, as he seeks
to defend his title.
If Abera is able to achieve this, he will move into the ranks
of the great. Only time will tell.
|
