Heraldtorial

Nobody should be under any pressure to run a marathon, or to complete a marathon, no matter when or where, least of all in the heat of Athens. There should be no question of criticism for any runner who stops when he or she feels unable to continue. If there is, it's a sign that the essence of sport has been lost. Paula Radcliffe has nothing to prove, and she has not let anyone down. To hell with the armchair critics and cynics who couldn't get their arses into gear to save their lives.

Ed.