Paula gears up for 10k bid

Paula Radcliffe was today tackling her toughest training run since her dramatic marathon failure in Athens as she continued to ponder whether to seek Olympic redemption in the 10,000metres final.

British athletics team leader Max Jones said that Radcliffe still had not decided whether to run in Friday's final after the trauma of pulling out of Sunday's marathon exhausted and tearful.

Yet the increasing intensity of her preparation runs around the Olympic Village are beginning to suggest the world's No1 10,000m runner on 2004 form is determined to have a go if she is convinced she can do herself justice.

Radcliffe's entry for the final has to be submitted by tomorrow morning and Team GB officials have said that will be done as a matter of course. That then leaves Radcliffe the option of making any decision about competing or withdrawing as late as possible.

"She's again gone for a run this morning and it's a tougher one than yesterday. We'll have to see how she recovers and how she's feeling in the next couple of days," said Jones.

Radcliffe is said to be in better spirits now that the marathon disappointment has begun to subside slightly and those close to her camp believe she is being helped by targeting the 10,000m.

But after the traumatic physical and mental experiences of Sunday, the prospect of victory would have to be considered the longest of long shots.