BBC SPORT | Athletics | Coe hails Radcliffe as GB great

Coe hails Radcliffe as GB great

London 2012 boss Sebastian Coe heaped praise on Paula Radcliffe after watching her win the New York Marathon, just 10 months after giving birth.

"She's something else," he said of the 33-year-old. "Paula has clearly now transcended track and field.

"Paula is one of the biggest names in British sport of all time."

Lord Coe also noted that Radcliffe aims to run the marathon at the 2012 Games, saying: "She's talking about it. I wouldn't bet against her."

Report: Radcliffe wins New York Marathon Interview: Paula Radcliffe

She has had more impact on track and field than any single man in the last 15 or 16 seasons
Sebastian Coe

Radcliffe, who was running her first marathon in two years and 81 days, crossed the finish line in two hours 23 minutes and nine seconds after a race-long duel with Ethiopian Gete Wami.

Lord Coe, chairman of the London 2012 organising committee, believes Radcliffe has made a huge impact on athletics in Britain and inspired more girls to take up running.

"She has taken this distance to a different level, completely changed it," added the double Olympic 1500m champion.

"She has had more impact on track and field than any single man in the last 15 or 16 seasons."

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Radcliffe's winning time on Sunday secured her Olympic berth for Beijing 2008, but the marathon star has not ruled the possibility of competing in London as well.

She said: "It would be an electric occasion to be able to take part in the Olympics in your home country, with that support.

"If my body can hold together, which I'm sure it can do, then I would really love to be there."

Lord Coe commented: "She'll probably have two or three children by then.

"It's possible. It's a very unforgiving sport, a very unforgiving event but she's uniquely focused and uniquely talented."