Despite being one of the most talked-about decisions in British athletics history, bookmakers have shown a rare reticence in opening markets on the will-she-run won’t-she-run Paula Radcliffe affair.
Punters wanting to back one way or the other will be disappointed, with no firms prepared to second-guess the marathon star and offer a price about her participation in the 10,000 metres.
William Hill and Ladbrokes have a market open on the outcome of the race, however, and quote Radcliffe at 4-1 and 5-2 respectively to win a gold medal. Both will refund bets placed on Radcliffe if she fails to make an appearance on the starting line on Friday evening, and so the odds are based solely on athletic merit.
The Ethiopian pair of Werknesh Kidane and Ejegayehu Dibaba are the favourites.
Advertisement
Punters still keen to make some money out of Radcliffe are advised to turn their attention to the betting for BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
Having started 2004 as a clear favourite to win the prestigious prize, Radcliffe has seen her odds drift to the 10-1 mark after failure in the marathon. But should she run in the 10,000 metres and win the race, the prize will be as good as hers.
“She would become unbackable,” said Darren Haines of Paddy Power.
The Sports Personality market has been unusually volatile this year, with a number of high-profile candidates yo-yoing through the list.
Wayne Rooney became an odds-on favourite to take the prize after three matches of Euro 2004, but after England’s elimination and the forward’s injury, not to mention sordid tabloid revelations, he is virtually out of the running at 33-1.
Advertisement
While Tim Henman’s chances predictably dissolved in the Wimbledon rain, it has been left to Britain’s Olympians to fight among themselves for the prize.
Matthew Pinsent’s podium tears have so far impressed bookmakers most - the four-time gold medallist is 8-11 - but Kelly Holmes is currently 6-5, with the potential to dislodge Pinsent if she adds 1,500 metres gold to her 800 metres title. Amir Khan, the 17-year-old boxer guaranteed at least a bronze medal, is 33-1.
But expect everything to change if Radcliffe steps on to a podium on Friday.