Quotes from Paula Radcliffe

At big championships it's not the fastest person, it's the person who gets it right on the day.

When you get close to race day, there's that anticipation and excitement - it's the same whatever level you're running at because the marathon is like a festival.

Go in any direction..seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.

I've no desire to do one of those 50-mile races like the Comrades or anything like that.

I've had a lot of success over the years racing in New York, but the main point is that I feel the marathon is a different event, a lot more my event.

I don't like going away from my children.

From my training I can get a good idea of what I'm capable of.

People are lying when they say that their record being broken is good for the development of the event. I would like mine to remain as long as possible, please.

An Olympic medal won't define my whole life, although it might look like it to onlookers. When I look back, I should have been able to get an Olympic medal.

You can wish as hard as you like but all that really matters is the shape you're in on the day of the race. I've always felt these really big races aren't necessarily won by whoever is the fastest. They're won by the athlete who is the smartest and in the best shape on the day.

As an athlete, there are advantages being with a team and getting regular physio.

I try not to worry about things that I can't control.

I was thinking back to all the time in the gym, working hard, and that spurred me on [winning New York marathon just ten months after giving birth

No one remembers who came fourth.

You see, with me, when I'm nervous, I smile and laugh.

It's important that athletes can compete on a level playing field. And youngsters coming into the sport can know that if they are working hard and training hard, they'll see a true reflection of where they stand and what they can achieve worldwide and not be swayed by people who are cheating.

Yeah, ideally, I'd probably wish to be more anonymous. But scrutiny and success go together. And I want to be successful.

For an athlete, the biggest pressure comes from within. You know what you want to do and what you're capable of.

I prefer to be in tune with my surroundings and to be aware of things. I like listening to my foot strike and my breathing. It can be quite soothing.

A half marathon is a good way to have a bit of fun and race against those girls and learn a bit more about them. The world half marathon is a world championship at the end of the day and it's important. I've win it twice and it's a quality event.

In my Olympic history I don't think I have achieved my potential as an athlete. That's what I want when I look back at my career. I want to be able to say I gave it my best shot.

The Olympics is not a race I want to watch on television and think 'I wonder what I could have done if I was there?

I have achieved a lot and I'm grateful for that - I'm just a bit greedy because I want to add the Olympics. It's once every four years - everyone wants it and very few people get it.

To represent your country at a home Olympics is something special and I'm over the moon to be selected for Team GB. I was pleased to get the qualifying time in Berlin earlier this year and my sole focus is getting in the right shape for London.