Radcliffe has won six marathons worldwide and three London Marathon titles, and is also the world record holder over the maximum running distance.

However, she has never been able to translate her success into the Olympics with a number of high-profile misses caused mainly by injury problems.

The lack of an Olympic medal is a mystery for an athlete such as Radcliffe who has been so dominant over the marathon - with her 2003 world record still standing today.

Despite being 38 now, Radcliffe hopes that finally arriving at an Olympics healthy and having home crowd support can see her finally fulfil her dream.

Best shot

"It'll be my fifth Olympics, I think in the first two I did run as well as I could have done but in the last two in the marathon I just haven't been able to do my best," Radcliffe told Sky Sports News.

"It's just been because of injury coming into it (the Olympics) so that's been really hard for me.

"It's kind of the one championships that I feel I haven't really been able to kind of make it count and give it my absolute best shot."

Now a mother of two and approaching veteran status, Radcliffe is still determined to go full-on for that elusive Olympic gold.

"I know on paper it's probably not my strongest chance as it has been in previous years, but I think if I get to the start line healthy then with the London crowds behind me I can go well.

"That's what I enjoy doing is going out and being able to give it 100 percent on race day."

Paula Radcliffe was talking in London to announce Nike's sponsorship of the British 10K, which will be held on 8th July 2012. Time to do more. Train with us at www.facebook.com/nikerunninguk #makeitcount