- Former long-distance runner is ambassador for the 2024 Olympic marathon
- She previously made comments in support of convicted rapist Van de Velde.
- However, Radcliffe has since apologized and said his comments were misjudged.
Paula Radcliffe has been named one of the Paris 2024 ambassadors for this weekend’s marathon, despite being forced to apologise before the Games when she posted comments in support of Dutch paedophile Steven van de Velde.
Beach volleyball player Van de Velde raped a 12-year-old girl in 2014, when he was 19, giving her Bailey’s Irish Cream and then advising her to buy a morning-after pill.
Still, Radcliffe wished the disgraced athlete luck ahead of the competition, before retracting his comments amid subsequent criticism.
Paula Radcliffe to be ambassador for Paris 2024 Olympic marathon, which will be held on Saturday
Beach volleyball player Van de Velde raped a 12-year-old girl in 2014 when he was 19.
Olympic director Thomas Bach confuses astronauts and Scousers at final press conference
During a sometimes saccharine hour, the German dodged questions about whether he would try to extend his tenure beyond the allowed 12 years and instead boasted about how people from warring nations had lived together peacefully in the village, despite the fact that the Israelis were situated far from any other significant security situation.
“To paraphrase John Glenn,” Bach said, probably referring to John Lennon rather than the late American astronaut and politician. “You may think we are dreamers, but we are not the only ones.”
Thomas Bach confuses late American star John Glenn with John Lennon at his final press conference
Team GB competitors will donate their leftover snacks
Britain’s athletes and staff did not go hungry thanks to volumes of Aldi snacks sent to the Games.
All leftover food, including bourbons and custards, will be donated to local food banks.
The attackers in Marseille cannot take the spotlight away from the glorious Olympic sailing events
Marseille was an ideal setting for sailing, but some had a different story to tell about the city. Warnings were given to those staying at a Holiday Inn near the station after a series of incidents involving thieves outside.
A journalist’s sunglasses were snatched from her face and a hole was made in the bottom of her backpack by assailants.