Ecco News

Mara Yamauchi could be Olympic rival to Paula Radcliffe

Mara Yamauchi could be a genuine threat to Paula Radcliffe in the Olympics after she recently took victory in the Osaka International Marathon, according to a report in the Times.

The 33-year-old from Harrow, who recorded the best performance of her career in Japan at the end of January, is set to compete in Beijing later in the year.

She is being thought of as a rival to Radcliffe's medal hopes as well as an inspiration to others to dust off their Mizuno or Hi-Tec running shoes after leaving a diplomatic job to pursue athletics.

Speaking to The Times, Yamauchi, said: "I'm about the same age as Paula and she has stated very clearly that she wants to run at the London Olympics."

"My training is really beginning to bear fruit and the win has given me a lot of confidence," she added.

If you fancy taking up running then shoes from the likes of Ecco, Merrell and Hi-Tec should allow you to keep your fitness up.

They are available from Fitness Footwear.

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