08 January 2008
The end of the year is traditionally a period to spend time with friends and family and reflect on the ups and downs of the year that has passed. So at the start of 2008, we invite you to reflect on another exciting year of athletics in Europe.
The next discipline in our '2007 in review' series, celebrated the welcome return of one of European Athletics most impressive athletes...
Marathon
Paula Radcliffe (GBR) made a speedy return to fitness after giving birth to her first child, Isla, in January. Despite missing out on a World Championship appearance, the running mummy's spectacular New York Marathon victory (2:23:09) against Ethiopia's Gete Wami, left no doubt that the British Mistress of Marathon's was back and better than ever.
Other than Radcliffe, there were no European winners in any of the major Marathons of 2007, with Africa and Asia dominating the podium. The World Championship Marathon in Osaka repeated this pattern, with only one European in the top eight (Lidia Simon ROM fifth), Kenyans, Chinese and Japanese athletes filled the other top placings.
Radcliffe approaches Beijing as Europe's best Marathon hope, with all thoughts of her Athens 2004 disappointment behind her, a betting man would certainly put their money on Paula winning her first Olympic medal, despite the tough competition from the top Chinese and Japanese runners.
The 33-year-old Briton was 4th in the 10,000m at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 and 5th in 5,000m at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996. Both of her races in Athens 2004 in 10,000m and Marathon ended before the finish line. Radcliffe has won every Marathon she has completed (seven) since her debut in the event in London 2002.
Walks
2007 proved to be another fine season for Russian walkers. The 26-year-old Belarussian Ryta Turava, who dominated in 2006, was unable to compete at the World Championships, leaving a veritable playground for Russia's impressive athletes.
The 2006 European silver medallist behind...
