Paula Radcliffe is positive about being ready for Beijing despite being diagnosed as having developed a hip injury, her agent has revealed.

The world marathon record holder developed pain in her left hip two weeks ago and, although it was not picked up in an original scan, a second scan showed that the gluteus minimus muscle had pulled away and put pressure on the bone.

The 34-year-old is now using crutches in order to relieve the pressure on her hip and hopes by resting now she will be ready for the Olympics in August.

Radcliffe will have another scan at the end of next week.

Agent Sian Masterton said: "Obviously this is not ideal in an Olympic year but Paula is upbeat and positive that by resting for a week or two now she will give herself the best chance of being ready for Beijing."

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