Is Paula Radcliffe a nutter?
Discussion
Expanding the topic slightly, there have been a few psychological studies done on elite athletes and a very very high proportion score highly on the psychopathy scale, i.e. if they didn't have an outlet for their 'uniqueness' they'd be wearing someone else's skin in a basement.
Hardly surprising though given the privations they willingly undergo to achieve their goals.
Hardly surprising though given the privations they willingly undergo to achieve their goals.
Interesting how so few top sportspeople can be considered absolutely 'normal'. If they were, perhaps they wouldn't be top of their chosen sport (in Paula Radcliffe's case that was quite a few years ago ....).
Which makes two outstanding people - Jessica Ennis and Bradley Wiggins - the real exceptions.
Which makes two outstanding people - Jessica Ennis and Bradley Wiggins - the real exceptions.
Symbolica said:
Quite a few of the top athletes seem to be, I was watching that documentary on Pendleton a few weeks ago, seems like a nice girl but a total nutter.
Would that be Victoria "look at me! look at me!" Pendleton?Poor old Victoria. It must be terrible with that L'Oreal contract and the photoshoots in Esquire and the almost guaranteed job hosting cycling on the TV if she wants it when she quits. Oh the strain! oh the pressure!
Good for her, she's worked hard at what she has chosen to do & success has followed but don't expect any sympathy from me when she starts on how hard everything is off the track.
She's good looking and she's good at a sport. She's set for life if she wants it. Stop whinging.
I don't want to be rude to the woman, and of course it is a terrible upset to not be able to run (ok I know that's a massive understatement for something you've been training for effectively your whole professional life), but she just seems a very "emotional" type. And you;re right, Pendleton did seem a lovely lass... up to a point
Paula analyses absolutely everyting in her life to the nth degree - it is part of what made her so successful, but has also contributed to her failures. It is a shame that she may not be remembered with as much affection as once would have been the case. We cried for her when she was a gallant loser, then we cheered for her when she won a few things, then we got fed up with her becoming slightly less than gracious in defeat and her constant moaning about injuries. Time for her to hang up her spikes and enjoyment her retirement.
Edited by rover 623gsi on Sunday 29th July 22:36
Symbolica said:
Quite a few of the top athletes seem to be, I was watching that documentary on Pendleton a few weeks ago, seems like a nice girl but a total nutter.
Maybe you have to be to succeed at that level.
Yes, I saw that and came away with the feeling that once it came out she was dating a member of the team, she was totally and utterly let down by the reactions of the other members of the team. They seemed massively immature in their reactions, including the head coach. It speaks volumes hat she couldn't simply tell them from the outset.Maybe you have to be to succeed at that level.
She seemed incredibly lonely, and her Father seemed to be living his life through her , totally domineering with no warmth whatsoever...one of the most odious men I have seen interviewed.
Parallels can be drawn with PR, have you seen her coach/husband !.
djmotorsport said:
If the average Brit had 10% of her determination and guts, perhaps Britain could be accurately called great.
Most who have participated in any sport at a decent level would recognise a level of commitment that few can achieve.
Yes, I think fellow sportsmen and women recognise her qualities and commitment. Maybe it's the non-athletes who don't get it and criticise.Most who have participated in any sport at a decent level would recognise a level of commitment that few can achieve.
Athens 2004 = She dropped out of the marathon. DNF.
Beijing 2008 = After keeping pace with the leaders for 19 miles, she was forced to drop back and then stop. After briefly stretching, she soldiered on but only to struggle to the finish inside the Bird's Nest Stadium.
London 2012 = Non-starter.
Is she really the best marathon runner Team GB has had for the last eight years?.......Yes she is!
Beijing 2008 = After keeping pace with the leaders for 19 miles, she was forced to drop back and then stop. After briefly stretching, she soldiered on but only to struggle to the finish inside the Bird's Nest Stadium.
London 2012 = Non-starter.
Is she really the best marathon runner Team GB has had for the last eight years?.......Yes she is!
Edited by Windy Vortex on Monday 30th July 22:36
Windy Vortex said:
Athens 2004 = She dropped out of the marathon. DNF.
Beijing 2008 = After keeping pace with the leaders for 19 miles, she was forced to drop back and then stop. After briefly stretching, she soldiered on but only to struggle to the finish inside the Bird's Nest Stadium.
London 2012 = Non-starter.
Is she really the best marathon runner Team GB has had for the last eight years?
Every other event she entered she seemed to do quite well, according to wikipedia.Beijing 2008 = After keeping pace with the leaders for 19 miles, she was forced to drop back and then stop. After briefly stretching, she soldiered on but only to struggle to the finish inside the Bird's Nest Stadium.
London 2012 = Non-starter.
Is she really the best marathon runner Team GB has had for the last eight years?
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