That is my Olympics revenge
PURDUE FEELS VINDICATED
CHARLOTTE PURDUE ran the race of her life at the London Marathon and pointedly declared: “This was my Olympics”.
The return of the world’s greatest endurance test saw heroics from each and every one of the 40,000 field.
But, at the elite end, nobody ran with more drive than a pocketsized Briton who had dedicated three years to excelling at the Games in Japan, only to be controversially left behind.
Two months after the Olympic gold was awarded in her absence, Purdue went almost four minutes faster than the winner managed, albeit in extreme heat, in Sapporo, as she finished in 10th place behind Kenyan winner Joyciline Jepkosgei (2hrs 17mins 43secs).
It was a performance which made a mockery of the decision by UK Athletics.
Stopping the clock at 2:23.26 catapulted her up to third spot on Britain’s all-time list behind Paula Radcliffe and Mara Yamauchi.
Talk about letting your legs do the talking.
“I feel I deserved to be in Tokyo so do I feel vindicated? Yes, definitely,” said Purdue. “This was my Olympics.”
The 30-year-old had appealed against her Olympic non-selection by pointing out that she had been advised by a UKA doctor to miss the trials and save herself for the Games.
It got her nowhere and Purdue arrived at the start line in south London claiming to have heard next to nothing since from the governing body.
By the end, she had ‘Top Briton’ bragging rights along with NHS doctor Phil Sesemann, who was an incredible seventh on his marathon debut in the men’s race.
It guaranteed Purdue a place in the British team at next summer’s World Championships and also brought a message of congratulations by “someone from UKA”.
Yet still her joy paled alongside that of event boss Hugh Brasher on a day wheelchair legend David
Weir finished like Ben-Hur to take third place in his 22nd straight London Marathon.
“It’s fantastic to be back,” said Brasher.
“There’s a smile on my face seeing the crowds, seeing people together outdoors.
“This is what we do. Inspire activity, all ages, all demographics.
“And we have raised absolutely millions for charity.” The one hiccup for organisers arrived after Sisay Lemma (2:04:01) won the men’s race.
The 30-year-old Ethiopian did not turn up to collect his prize because he was deemed to be a close contact of an athlete who tested positive for Covid-19 on Saturday night.
One of the biggest moments of Lemma’s life and it was his agent Gianni Demadonna who had to pose with the coveted trophy on the top step of the podium at the end.