McColgan rules out Sydney marathon
AFP
21 April 2000 - London - Britain's most successful long distance runner, Liz McColgan,
conceded Friday that she had lost her battle
to be fit in time for the Sydney Olympics later this year.
The 35-year-old Scot told the Press Association: "I had a foot operation just before
Christmas and required another six weeks ago.
Though I'm back running now, I will not risk a marathon too soon, and because of
qualifying regulations, that rules out the Olympics.
"I accept that, but it is very upsetting."
The highlight of a career which spanned winning honours at every level on the track, road
and at cross-country was when the Scot
captured the 1991 World Championship 10,000m gold medal in Tokyo.
The announcement of the latest setback comes as no surprise. McColgan has been fighting to
recover from a second toe operation
following earlier surgery, which made it impossible for her to train properly and forced
her withdrawal from last weekend's Flora London
Marathon which she won in 1996.
McColgan said: "Running 2:33 would not be a problem, even quite soon, but I dare not
rush it. If I break down again - even trip over
a cobblestone - that's me retired. I have to train sensibly."
