The New Nation - Internet Edition

BBC Online

British Athletics performance director Dave Collins believes Paula Radcliffe is making "good progress" in her race to be fit for the Beijing Olympics.

The 34-year-old's participation in the marathon has been in doubt since it was confirmed she had suffered a stress fracture in her left leg back in May.

However, Radcliffe is back running and will arrive at the Team GB training camp in Macau on Monday.

"It's confirmation for me that she's making good progress," said Collins. "We've given her the space and the time that

I think her performance level deserves, we'll see her get here and again, we'll be watching progress and see what happens.

"I am more optimistic as time goes on. I'll wait and see where we are but as things positively progress, that's good news."

Collins stressed the final say on Radcliffe's fitness would come down to a joint decision, although he refused to be drawn on what would happen if the lure of the Olympics proved too strong and she defied medical advice to compete.

He continued: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it. It's a team effort. There are a lot of people involved in this, coaches, medics.

"You sit down and say where are we? Are you capable of doing yourself justice? If yes, you've earned the place, take it."

However, Collins has been encouraged by the feedback from Radcliffe's medical checks and insisted she would not contemplate running if she were not able to contend for a medal.

"It's been positive," he added. "Things are getting better and stronger but then of course they would through the passage of time.

"The challenge she's taken on is a considerable one and it's important for us to make sure that challenge is progressing not at the expense of her long-term health and also to see how that challenge is progressing in terms of her getting towards good shape to be able to perform.

"When you've got athletes who've got a record of past achievement and past performance, they're not going to put themselves on the line if they're not in the shape to perform."