London Marathon legend Paula Radcliffe has revealed that she left the UK partly because she felt she had 'let the country down' after her Olympic disappointment in Athens 2004. The 52-year-old, who held the women's world marathon record for 16 years, relocated to Monte Carlo with her husband and two children.
Radcliffe was the overwhelming favourite for gold in the marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympics but was forced to withdraw four miles from the finish due to a leg injury. A heavy course of anti-inflammatory medication had also caused stomach problems. She also withdrew from the 10,000 metres event five days later with eight laps remaining.
Speaking to the Telegraph, Radcliffe said: 'I found it too distressing to stay in England after what happened in Athens – I felt like I'd let the country down. I decided I didn't want to live somewhere where I was recognised all the time.' She also cited better weather, access to altitude training in the Pyrenees, and a desire to raise her children bilingually as reasons for the move.
Despite her Olympic heartbreak, Radcliffe enjoyed a stellar career, winning the London and New York Marathons three times each, and claiming world titles in the marathon, half-marathon, and cross country. She was awarded an MBE and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 2002.
Radcliffe now works as a pundit and commentator for the BBC, covering athletics including the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games. She last competed in the London Marathon in 2015.
