What a race! Paula Radcliffe’s win in New York was simply one of the most amazing races I’ve ever seen. A surprise entry into the marathon, Paula’s rapid return from her trauma in Athens was remarkable. With much to prove to herself as much as to others, this was a big race for her and few of us would have guessed she’d be tested almost every step of the 26 mile course.
It turned out her opponent this time was Susan Chepkemei, a competitor whom Paula has not lost to in four years. However, Susan was the dark horse – form relatively unknown in the marathon, and BBC commentators, Steve Cram and Brendan Foster, didn’t think she’d be in contention, particularly as Susan started to drop off midway through the race. But she came back and it eventually emerged that she was challenging Paula to a duel.
For the best part of 13 miles, the two were chained to each other, Chepkemei tried a series of breaks, but Paula reeled her back in, sticking to her shoulder, letting her know she was on terms. As the mile posts passsed by, Paula was still in contention. And as they entered Central Park, the race was really on. The two athletes were clearly getting more physically tired, but the will of the two to win was still clear to see. And as every step towards the finish continued, it became clear to everyone it would be the last 300 odd yards past the 26 mile post that would count. And it did. Paula broke away, the gap appeared and the win was assured.
I’ve not seen such a race in the marathon for such a long time. A fantastic battle of wills, Paula showed us why she is a champion. This was no doubt a big win and will give her confidence now. And may her comeback continue. I may be biased, but she is, in my opinion, one of athletics’ finest participants in history.
* KEVIN’S HOUSEPARTY *
It was an interesting house-warming party yesterday. Kevin and Nicole had invited a few friends over to his new flat in London and amongst them were some of his old friends from boarding school. All I can say is I’ve missed out on a lot of things by going to a day school. And thankfully too. From the Winchester biscuits to various sorts of punishments and practical jokes, I’m glad I didn’t have to survive it! With Kevin’s Summer Party Mix 1997 CD playing in the background, it was a nice and horrific, nostalgic look back on school life. Ahh, youth…. Don’t I remember it?
Anyway, more hard work to go this week and for the coming weeks, so my posts will be a little shorter for a while, but hopefully there’s still plenty to write about! Oh, and with England playing next weekend in the Rugby, I’m looking forward to more sporting success.