Paula Radcliffe has had to pull out of the London 2012 Olympic Games due to a foot injury, UK Athletics have confirmed.
The 38-year-old marathon world-record holder failed a fitness test due to osteoarthritis in her left foot, meaning she is unable to take part in the Games.
UK Athletics issued the following statement on their site: "The British Olympic Association and UK Athletics announced this afternoon that marathon athlete Paula Radcliffe is being withdrawn from Team GB due to medical reasons.
"Radcliffe has been suffering with a foot problem and after a fitness test on Sunday it was concluded that she would not be able to race competitively to the best of her abilities."
In 2008, Paula broke down after coming 23rd in the Berlin Olympics and in recent years her career has been blighted by multiple injuries.
Since the birth of her second child two years ago, Paula has focussed her efforts on training for London 2012.
"From the day when it was announced that London had won the bid, taking part and performing well in the London Olympic Games has been a major goal in my life," she said. "The goal of a fifth Olympics in my home country, what better? The chance to make amends to myself for bitter disappointments at the previous two Olympics. Through a lot of tough times it has kept me fighting, motivated and focused. That is why it hurts so much to finally admit to myself that it isn't going to happen."
She continued: "My sport is a beautiful sport, it gives so much fun and enjoyment, I believe it helps me to be a better person, and I have been very fortunate to experience some great success and have so many beautiful and happy memories. However, the downside is that it can break your heart and spirit many times over when your body is simply unable to match what your heart and brain want it to do."