Running: Beijing 2008 - Haining still waiting on Radcliffe

Monday, July 28, 2008 - 06:37 PM

Hayley Haining is still waiting anxiously to hear if she or Paula Radcliffe (pictured) will be running in the Olympic marathon.

Haining has been on standby as a replacement for Radcliffe if she cannot attain the necessary fitness for the race, which takes place in the Chinese capital in three weeks' time.

Radcliffe's participation has been in doubt for the last two months after she suffered a stress fracture of the femur which saw her initially on crutches.

A fortnight ago she had an MRI check in London which showed she is recovering well and the world marathon record holder returned to her French base to intensify her preparations.

"I'm going back to continue my training - but yes, it is going to be a race against time," Radcliffe admitted before flying to France.

There has been no news of her progress since that statement.

Haining meanwhile has continued her marathon training in case she is required as a stand-in to join up with Mara Yamauchi and Liz Yelling in the British side and she said on Sunday: "Whatever (Paula's) decision is I hope it is the right one.

"The bottom line is it is still her place and she's the one who's been put in there for the last three months.

"Whatever she decides I really wish her well."

The 36-year-old Scot - who was very satisfied after finishing fourth in Sunday's BUPA Great Wales Run over 10 kilometres with a time of 32 minutes 24 seconds, revealed she still has no idea what decision Radcliffe will make.

Haining is being updated by UK Athletics endurance performance director Alan Storey on a regular basis, but said: "I've heard nothing but hopefully there will be something in the next week or so.

"Alan is keeping in touch with me regularly. Even if he phones up and says 'Hayley, there's no news', at least that keeps me in the picture and I appreciate that."

Haining, who works full-time as a veterinary surgeon, suggested a few weeks ago she might have to abandon her hopes of making a dream Olympic debut because of her work commitments.

However, Haining added: "I'm leaving my options open at the moment and I'll see how things go over the next week and speak to my coach and family and see what happens."

Haining's waiting game has interrupted her routine and meant she could not fully commit herself to competing in the Great Wales Run just in case the call to compete in Beijing arrived before the weekend.

It is just one of the drawbacks of waiting on the sidelines and could have cost her an appearance fee and prize money which is welcomed by any non-professional athlete.

Haining admitted: "It was ideal and I'm pleased the organisers have been understanding of the fact that I might do it or might not do it.

"I've been training so hard and not doing much racing and with things not decided I thought I've got nothing to lose.

"It was a good confidence-builder if I do end up in Beijing or indeed, just start getting my life back to normal again."

Haining just missed out on a podium place in a race which Kenya's Rita Jeptoo, who will contest the Games marathon, won in a new course record of 31min 36secs.