Like a central heating system with a broken thermostat, the explanations we're being given for Paula Radcliffe's failure to finish the marathon yesterday is that her body simply couldn't cope with the heat.
The doctors say that an athlete can cope with a rise in core temperature up to a certain point -- which is different for every person. But once that critical temperature is reached the body simply seizes up, making further exertion impossible.
Some of the calls and e-mails we've been receiving this morning have suggested that Paula Radcliffe couldn't cope psychologically once she was pushed out of the medal positions -- and so gave up.
But British Olympic Association physician Dr Greg Whyte says that although psychological factors came into play, the primary reasons for Paula's difficulties were physical.
Audioblog: Dr Greg Whyte (mp3)
We'll hear from the woman herself at a press conference she's giving in just over two hours time.
The doctors say that an athlete can cope with a rise in core temperature up to a certain point -- which is different for every person. But once that critical temperature is reached the body simply seizes up, making further exertion impossible.
Some of the calls and e-mails we've been receiving this morning have suggested that Paula Radcliffe couldn't cope psychologically once she was pushed out of the medal positions -- and so gave up.
But British Olympic Association physician Dr Greg Whyte says that although psychological factors came into play, the primary reasons for Paula's difficulties were physical.
Audioblog: Dr Greg Whyte (mp3)
We'll hear from the woman herself at a press conference she's giving in just over two hours time.
posted by Stuart at 12:07
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home