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Women’s 10,000 metres
Defending world cross country champion Paula RADCLIFFE was selected to the British team for Edmonton on the strength of her gutsy win at the European Challenge in Barakaldo, Spain where she recorded a time of 30:55.80.
In extremely windy conditions that day she left Germany's Irina MIKITENKO almost half a lap adrift once again underscoring her tremendous fitness level. Add to her curriculum a British and Commonwealth 3,000m record of 8:26.97, recorded while finishing 5th in the Rome Golden Gala.
Unfortunately, championship running doesn't necessarily mean the fastest, or fittest will win. And, the lack of competitive opportunities at this distance means some of the contenders will have not tipped their hand at the longer track distance but will have competed in 3,000m and 5,000m events only. Added to the mix is the fact that Edmonton is roughly 700m above sea level which, over 10,000m, can have an effect on performances.
RADCLIFFE will have her hands full with Ethiopian Gete WAMI - with whom she has enjoyed a rivalry these past few years - and Derartu TULU who beat her countrywoman to win Olympic gold in Sydney. TULU is an exceptional competitor and likely to follow whatever pace the leaders employ. Indeed she followed South African Elana MEYER in the 1992 Olympic final until the last lap when she unleashed a blistering kick running 64 seconds for the final 400m.
One other possible contender could be Natalya BERKUT who won the Ukrainian championships with 31:22.76, the second fastest time in the world this year.
RADCLIFFE will prefer a fast pace from the start and hope not to be subjected to a tactical race in which emotions often carry runners to superlative performances.
