Athletics: Radcliffe set for injury update

The world marathon record holder, who has been named in Great Britain's Olympic team, will undergo an MRI scan on a muscle pull in her left hip.

Radcliffe is hopeful the scan will give her the all-clear to resume training for the Beijing Olympics in August.

"Little setbacks like this only strengthen my resolve to be there in my best shape," said Radcliffe.

The 34-year-old, who missed the London Marathon because of a toe injury, is joined in the marathon team by Mara Yamauchi and Liz Yelling, while Dan Robinson is GB's sole male entry.

"Obviously the Olympics is extremely important to me," said Radcliffe, who hopes to compete in her fourth Games.

UK record holder Johanna Jackson was also named as Britain's representative in the women's 20km walk.

British Olympic boss Simon Clegg said: "We clearly have a very strong squad here with high aspirations and I am sure that they will be looking to build upon their recent performances, particularly Mara.

"I wish them well in their final preparations for the Olympic Games."

Radcliffe, who is determined to make up for failing to finish the marathon at the 2004 Athens Games, has already had her training schedule interrupted by a toe injury on her right foot which first came to light when she finished runner-up in last September's Bupa Great North Run.

She went on to win the New York marathon for a second time in November 2007, despite competing with the niggling injury.

With the Olympic marathon scheduled for 17 August, only 92 days away, Radcliffe will hope that the follow-up scan brings a more positive prognosis.

London Marathon race director David Bedford believes if Radcliffe cannot get back into training quickly she should consider pulling out of the Olympic reckoning for Beijing.

"Unless Paula's 95% of her best form she shouldn't be going to the Olympics bearing in mind the competitiveness of the race there and the weather conditions," he said.

"I see (not going) as a possible solution and she should remember the next Olympics are in just over four years' time.

Because the injury flared up again while Radcliffe was altitude training in the USA in February, she was forced to miss the chance to earn a fourth Flora London Marathon title a month ago.

"If she can come to terms with that, wait and make one more push in 2012, she would also be running an Olympics in her own country and will not be at an age precluding what would be a very exciting challenge for her.

"The real key is how quickly can she get back into training. If it's just a couple of weeks that seems fine.

"If it's a month, she shouldn't be going to the Olympics.

"I suggest we let Paula make the most of the rest and see how she is in a couple of weeks."