Paula Radcliffe takes on coaching role with former Oregon Project runner Jordan Hasay
Paula Radcliffe is to become the new coaching adviser for a former Nike Oregon Project runner just weeks after drawing criticism over her response to the Alberto Salazar ban.
Britain’s former marathon world record holder – who is sponsored by Nike – had faced scrutiny after suggesting the US Anti-Doping Agency was “trying maybe to regain a little bit of face” by throwing Salazar out of athletics for four years following its failed pursuit of sprinter Christian Coleman.
In fact, the investigation into the coach had begun years before it emerged Coleman had missed three drugs tests. On Wednesday Jordan Hasay, 28, the second-fastest American woman over the marathon, announced on her Instagram page that she was “excited and honoured to have Paula Radcliffe as my coaching adviser”.
Hasay, who has left the disbanded Nike Oregon Project, added: “I look forward to working with Paula, whose expertise in being the former world record holder in the marathon is unparalleled. I have always looked up to Paula as a pioneer for what is possible in the marathon, and most importantly in being a kind and inspiring person in life. I hope to follow in her footsteps as I continue my journey in the sport.”
Radcliffe held the world record for the marathon for 16 years until it was broken by Kenyan Brigid Kosgei in Chicago this year, where Hasay failed to finish.
Nike ended its NOP training programme for elite athletes in October after leading coach Salazar was banned by the US Anti-Doping Agency. Salazar was given a four-year ban for doping offences. His appeal against the ban is unlikely to begin before March at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, London 2017 world para athletics long jump champion Stef Reid has been appointed vice president of UK Athletics. The 35-year-old, who has also won two Paralympic T44 long jump silver medals for GB, replaces former sprinter Donna Fraser in the role.
