Paula Radcliffe is greatest distance runner of all time: Official

We are happy to confirm that Paula Radcliffe is the greatest female distance runner of all time following the plucky Brit's triumph in the New York Marathon. Radcliffe beat off a spirited challenge by Kenyan Susan Chepkemei to take the race in two hours, 23 minutes and 10 seconds.

Radcliffe battled gamely throughout the race to put behind her the bitter disappointments of the past which we must confess we have now completely forgotten in the euphoria of the post-Marathon celebrations. "I dunno," admitted our sports editor with a shrug. "I seem to recall something about tears and collapsing by the side of the road, then more tears and collapsing by the side of the track. But Paula's fantastic victory in new York has completely erased my memory of the circumstances surrounding those events. I can, however, confirm that she is the greatest female distance runner of all time and has established a reputation for excellence which is unlikely ever to be equalled."

He then took a moment to dab a tear from the corner of his eye with a convenient Union jack before continuing: "On this sort of form, Paula must be a contender for the next Olympics. That really would be the crowning glory of a legendary career — to take Olympic gold. To be honest, I'm surprised she's never had a shot at the Olympic title. Surely it would just be a walk in the park for an athlete of Paula's calibre?"

Previously

• Radcliffe doubtful for Rockall Games
• Britain reels after rollercoaster week of Olympic action
• Those UK Olympic prospects in full