Charlotte Purdue becomes second fastest British athlete of all time
Charlotte Purdue has become the second fastest British female athlete over the marathon distance after racing the Berlin Marathon. Coached by Nic Bideau, Purdue has had some great success over the years representing Team GB at multiple major championship events. Now the fastest British female currently competing in the marathon, it raises the question, will she be selected for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?
In the boiling heat of Newcastle-upon-Tyne Charlotte Purdue lined up against some of the fastest women in the world for the historic Great North Run. The 13.1 miles were gruelling, but she came 3rd place in the women’s race, this was a mere training run to test the waters before Berlin.
The Berlin Marathon is world-renowned for being one of the fastest courses in the world. Being the home of Eliud Kipchoge’s 2022 world record of 2:01:09; many elite athletes from across the globe flock to this event to secure Olympic qualifying times. Even at this year’s race gold went to Tigist Assefa who shattered the women’s world record by 2 minutes.
The qualifying standards for British athletes are like no other. Earlier this year, Jack Buckner, head of British Athletics imposed a tough selection policy stating he wanted to be more ‘ruthless’ when selecting teams heading to major championships. The ‘ruthless’ British selection policy means that most athletes must outperform the qualifying standards laid out by World Athletics to have a chance to represent Team GB at major championships.
Berlin was therefore an opportunity for Purdue to obtain a qualifying time worthy of the ‘ruthless’ British Athletics selection policy. She had a sensational run, crossing the line in 9th place which advanced her to 2nd on the British all-time list for the marathon, clocking an impressive time of 2:22:17, a time only bettered by previous world-record holder Paula Radcliffe.
Purdue’s time has shattered the British Athletics qualification standard by over 4 minutes. This sets the stage for her hopes to represent Team GB in the upcoming Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
Make sure to stay tuned and follow the Sports Gazette for regular updates as we head towards Paris 2024.
