How Paula Radcliffe’s daughter’s cancer shattered her world and changed her life forever

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Paula Radcliffe has long been a towering figure in British athletics, celebrated for her extraordinary achievements in long-distance running. As a three-time champion of both the London and New York Marathons, she once held the women’s world marathon record for 16 years with a remarkable time of 2:15:25. Her career boasts world titles in the marathon, half marathon, and cross country, alongside European and Commonwealth victories in the 10,000 and 5,000 meters.

Radcliffe represented Great Britain in four consecutive Olympic Games from 1996 to 2008, becoming an enduring icon despite never securing an Olympic medal. Her accolades include the 2002 BBC Sports Personality of the Year, multiple World Athlete of the Year awards, and an MBE. After retiring from competitive running in 2015, she made a notable return this year by competing in the Tokyo and Boston Marathons at age 51, before announcing she is “signing out” from road racing and moving into punditry for the BBC’s London Marathon coverage.

Her recent return to racing is all the more remarkable given the personal challenges she has faced, particularly her daughter Isla’s battle with a rare form of ovarian cancer diagnosed at just 13. Radcliffe spoke openly about the ordeal, describing the rapid progression from diagnosis to chemotherapy and the emotional toll it took. “It’s the hardest thing a parent can go through,” she said, reflecting on the helplessness of watching her child endure treatment.

Radcliffe shared how she even considered freezing her eggs in case her daughter’s treatment affected her fertility and offered to cut her hair to make a wig, only for Isla to refuse both gestures. “She flat out refused that,” Radcliffe recalled, noting the private nature of their struggle and the uncertainty about how the cancer might impact Isla’s future. Thankfully, Isla has beaten the cancer and is now preparing to run her first marathon at 18, following in her mother’s footsteps.

Paula Radcliffe will be watching her daughter compete in the London Marathon with deep emotion, acknowledging the powerful moment of seeing her cross the finish line. “It’s an extremely emotional place to be anyway,” she said, “but when it’s your little girl doing it, that’s going to be a bit more emotional.” Though a British athletics legend, Radcliffe has lived abroad for over 20 years, relocating after the 2004 Olympics, which were a difficult chapter in her career.

At the Athens Games, Radcliffe was the favorite for marathon gold but withdrew just four miles from the finish due to injury and stomach issues caused by medication. She also pulled out of the 10,000 meters later in the Games, leaving her feeling “numb” and as if she had “let the country down” amid critical media coverage. Seeking a fresh start, she moved to Monte Carlo with her family, citing better weather, proximity to altitude training, and a desire for her children to grow up bilingual.

Radcliffe’s time abroad has not been without controversy. Last year, she faced backlash after publicly wishing a convicted rapist competing at the Paris Olympics “the best of luck.” Steven van de Velde, a Dutch beach volleyball player who served a reduced sentence for raping a 12-year-old girl, was the subject of her comments. Radcliffe’s remarks about second chances and comparing his situation to doping offenders sparked criticism.

In response, Radcliffe issued a heartfelt apology, expressing regret for how she conveyed her thoughts and acknowledging the seriousness of the crime. “I am mortified that I expressed it so badly and didn’t condemn the rape out loud,” she said, emphasizing her belief in second chances but also stating the Olympics should be for those who uphold its ideals. She concluded by saying she was “deeply shocked and disappointed” in herself for the way she handled the situation.