Paula Radcliffe admits controversial hybrid Nike trainers may have given Brigid Kosgei the advantage to beat her women's marathon world record
by Jessica Rach For Mailonline- Paula Radcliffe has admitted the improved tracks and newer trainers worn since her world record marathon win in 2003 may have made beating her easier
- However added that they weren't 'magic shoes' and her own circumstances in 2003 would also have been easier for her to beat her predeccesor
- Brigid Kosgei beat her 16-year long women's marathon world record of 2:15:25 with a winning time of 2.14.04
- The hybrid Nike trainers Brigid wore were among those investigated by World Athletics to see if they gave an unfair advantage - but were given the okay
Paula Radcliffe has admitted the improved tracks and newer trainers worn since her world record marathon win in 2003 may have made beating her record easier - but added she would also have had an advantage over her predecessor.
The British long distance runner, 46, from Davenham, appeared on ITV's GMB to talk about RunfestRun, and admitted she would love to try the hybrid Nike trainers worn by Brigid Kosgei to beat her 16-year long women's marathon world record of 2:15:25 with a winning time of 2.14.04.
Last month World Athletics commissioned a panel of experts to review Nike's Vaporfly trainers among others, after experts expressed concern that the shoes beloved by athletes across the world could boost performance. It was ruled that they will remain legal.
Speaking on ITV this morning, Paula said: 'We'll never know [if my record would have been better if the circumstances were].
'The tracks and shoes are better which helps, yes. I would love the chance to run in the shoes she [Brigid] did - but they're not magic shoes that will make me run differently.
'Nike are ahead of the game.It's just innovation though, same as my shoes were better as my predecessors.'
And speaking about how she felt when her record was broken after 16 years, she said: 'The build up and expectation was actually much worse. When it actually happened I was like "oh I'm still the same person that I was yesterday". People built it up to a bigger thing.'
Last month concerns were raised that the shoes enhance performance to unacceptable levels.
The shoes used by Brigid Kosgei to smash Paula Radcliffe’s marathon world record were among those that came under fire.
The Nike range has been a hit with amateur and professional runners around the world. They feature super-thick soles incorporating carbon plates that act like springs.
The World Athletics commissioned a panel of experts to review Nike's Vaporfly trainers and decided they will remain legal and free to use by athletes in the Tokyo Olympics this summer.
The experts concluded that new technology incorporated in the soles of road and spiked shoes may provide a performance advantage.
However they believe there is sufficient evidence to raise concerns that the integrity of the sport might be threatened by the recent developments in shoe technology.
But the shoes Eliud Kipchoge used to run a marathon in under two hours will be illegal in the future.
The Nike Alphafly which Kipchoge used is considered to be a prototype and is therefore not permitted.
World Athletics have also stated that a shoe sole must be no thicker than 40mm in a number of rules outlined by the governing body.
They also must not contain more than one rigid embedded plate or blade that runs either the full length or only part of the length of the shoe.
THE TOP 5 QUICKEST WOMEN MARATHON TIMES EVER
1. Brigid Kosgei - Kenya
- Time: 2.14.04 - Date: 13/10/2019 - Venue: Chicago Marathon
2. Paula Radcliffe - England
- Time: 2.15.25 - Date: 13/04/2003 - Venue: London Marathon
3. Mary Jepkosgei Keitany - Kenya
- Time: 2.17.01 - Date: 23/04/2017 - Venue: London Marathon
4. Ruth Chepngetich - Kenya
- Time: 2.17.08 - Date: 25/01/2019 - Venue: Dubai Marathon
5. Worknesh Degefa - Ethiopia
- Time: 2.17.41 - Date: 25/01/2019 - Venue: Dubai Marathon