Paula Radcliffe at 2002 European Championships (© Allsport)
On 14 April Paula Radcliffe ran a brilliant Marathon debut in London, then raced just three times on the track, setting a Commonwealth record for 3000m, winning the Commonwealth 5000m title and breaking the European record to win the 10,000m title in Munich. Yet Paula has found her great performances questioned. As she prepares for an attempt at the World Marathon best in Chicago, Britain’s most popular athlete comes up with a bold tactic to silence those who question her credibility and that of the sport …
"Hi everyone,
While the rest of the athletics world moves on to the final Golden League meetings, the Grand Prix Final and the World Cup, I am back at my altitude base in France preparing for the Chicago Marathon in October.
This year, I went into the track season more relaxed than previous years but also with renewed goals, confidence and strength. Knowing that I needed to recover from my London Marathon effort, I decided that only two races were important to me: the Commonwealth Games 5000m and European Championships 10,000m. I wanted to win those two and didn’t care if they were the only track races of the summer for me.
They nearly were! I struggled with an infection around the time of the European Cup, but it cleared quickly and I made a great start to the season over 3000m in Monaco. Mentally and physically I felt stronger and I was so happy to be back racing again. With just 9 days to go I knew I was stronger than ever before on the track and that gave me the confidence to attack hard and run so well in front of an awesome Manchester crowd who pushed me all the way around. Roll on Munich.
I knew I was in European record shape and I also knew that going for the fast time was also one of my tactical options and would give me the best chance of winning the race, as Sonia O’Sullivan and Fernanda Ribeiro were both formidable rivals and fast finishers. The rain fell steadily but the wind was calm and I won the race. Although I was agonisingly close to the 30 minute barrier, I did break the European record held by Ingrid Kristiansen. I have always looked up to all that Ingrid achieved and she has given me great advice and support over the last couple of years. She told me that I would run faster after my marathon debut and I am honoured to follow in her footsteps.
However, in the days that followed the Championships I was disappointed and saddened by whispers that others believed I was using drugs in some way. Although the most important thing is that I, and those close to me, know I am clean, I was still deeply hurt and offended to read an article in L’Equipe magazine casting doubt on my achievements and those of others in Munich.
I realise that doping is a problem in our sport and have always made no secret of my views. Indeed, I am working with the IAAF and WADA to improve the situation, and we do now have a valid EPO test. We as athletes need to work with the authorities to get blood profiling schemes up and running. My idea is that regular 3-4 week screening can help us prove the validity of our performances and ensure the sport is fair but they can also double as health screening for us, and pick up danger signs of illness and overtraining.
Since reading the article in L’Equipe, I have asked the IAAF to conduct random blood and urine tests on me in the build up to Chicago and at the competition itself. I would like these samples to be frozen and tested again in the future as new detection tests become available. This is the only way I can think of to prove that my results are the result of over 10 years of hard work, pain and dedication. It is sad that it has come to this but I am happy to take this step and encourage others to do likewise and silence the doubters. Athletics is a wonderful sport that is about individuals pushing their bodies, minds and spirits as far as possible, it is natural and exhilarating.
The whole doping issue is tarnishing our sport yet together we can beat it. I am supporting YAADIS, an IAAF scheme to educate youngsters about the morals and values of sport. It is so important that youngsters learn that the best and most important thing about sport is that you learn how good you can be and that you give the best you possibly can and can be proud of that. They have to believe they can reach the top without shortcuts and they have to trust in those they compete against and look up to.
Until the next time…"
Paula Radcliffe
