Injury has forced Paula Radcliffe to pull out of the World Athletic Championships, it was announced today.
"I am very, very disappointed because Paris was my main aim for the year," the marathon world record holder said to BBC Online.
"I have had my preparations interrupted this year which has left me short of time and training. I have come very close, but this week has shown me that I am not quite at the level that I hoped I would be.
"I have to be realistic and think of the bigger picture and I now have to move on and forward."
Radcliffe was struggled with a shin injury in June and then a month later took ill with bronchitis.
"I probably could have coped with one or other of the problems, but both things left me with too much time to catch up," said Radcliffe.
