The British Olympic association confirmed today that runner Freya Murray will replace Paula Radcliffe in representing Team GB in the women’s marathon, after Radcliffe was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a foot injury.
Murray was selected as a reserve to the team in April and has continued to prepare since then, in case she was selected to compete in the Olympic marathon.
The BOA has received approval from the International Olympic Committee and International Association of Athletics Federations for a late athlete replacement.
Murray commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected to Team GB and I will be aiming to do Britain proud in London on Sunday. My thoughts go out to Paula, who has been extremely supportive towards me throughout this process. Both she and UKA have been keeping me informed of the situation, so I knew there was a chance I would be competing which has helped.”
Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt added: “We are proud to welcome Freya to Team GB. We know she has been training hard and preparing, and will arrive fully ready to compete and deliver her personal best.”
Sophia Smith, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
