OLYMPICS LONDON 2012: Murray to replace injured Radcliffe

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By Sportsbeat staff, London 2012

GREAT Britain marathon runner Freya Murray believes she can cope with being Paula Radcliffe’s replacement at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

DELIGHTED: Freya Murray given chance in marathon after injury rules out Paula Radcliffe

Murray, from outside Newcastle-upon-Tyne, will join up with Team GB after Radcliffe failed to prove her fitness ahead of the Games – a chronic foot problem eventually ruling out the marathon world record holder.

And Murray, 28, who ducked under the London 2012 A standard after clocking 2:28:10hours at this year’s London Marathon, is aiming to take her chance with both hands.

“I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to Team GB and I will be aiming to do Britain proud in London on Sunday,” said Murray, who was the second placed Brit at London Marathon, behind Claire Hallisey, who sealed her Olympic spot then.

“My thoughts go out to Paula, who has been extremely supportive towards me throughout this process.

“Both she and UK Athletics have been keeping me informed of the situation, so I knew there was a chance I would be competing which has helped.

“I really want to thank everybody who has supported me, and mainly my coach, Steve Jones.

”I feel I’ve been so lucky the past few years. I hardly ran in 2011 with the injuries, but Steve made me believe I could do the marathon well.

“We’ll see how the race goes. I’ve done some long runs this summer, with two hours yesterday, and I’m happy to have that under my belt. I’m just looking forward to running in the Olympic Games.”

© Sportsbeat 2012