Last Updated: Sat, 02 Aug 2008 13:48
Paula Radcliffe's hopes of Olympic medal success in Beijing have been boosted as London Marathon winner Irina Mikitenko has pulled out.
The 35-year-old German was looking to follow up her impressive performance in London earlier this year, when she won the race in a time of two hours, 24 minutes, 14 seconds. However a foot injury brought on back and pelvic problems has resulted in Mikitenko withdrawing.
As a result world record-holder Radcliffe, who has been stepping up her own rehabilitation at a training base in the French Pyrenees after being diagnosed with a stress fracture to her left femur in May, will be encouraged in her efforts to be fit in time to race and win a medal.
Meanwhile Mikitenko's absence means another medal hope for Germany disappearing as world champion discus thrower Franka Dietzsch has also pulled out of the Games due to injury.
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