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Noguchi's Coach Says She Will Aim For Marathon Comeback Next Fall

http://sports.nikkei.co.jp/index.aspx?n=SSXKF0532%2026092008

translated by Brett Larner

Nobuyuki Fujita, head coach of Athens Olympics women's marathon gold medalist Mizuki Noguchi (Team Sysmex) who withdrew from the Beijing Olympics marathon after an injury to her left thigh, said that Noguchi will likely target a comeback at an overseas marathon in the autumn next year. Noguchi had hoped to return in time for the Berlin World Championships next August, but to make the team she would need to run in one of the Japanese selection races this winter and in her current condition this does not look to be a realistic option.

Noguchi had returned to a program of light jogging, but as her injury persisted through mid-September she backed off and concentrated on receiving proper medical treatment. With her future training a blank slate, coach Fujita speculated about possible plans. "We think that the best course of action would be for her to run a PB attempt at Berlin or Chicago next fall."

Translator's note: Mizuki Noguchi is the Japanese record holder with a PB of 2:19:12. A serious PB attempt would potentially make her the third woman to break 2:19. With the Berlin Marathon reportedly moving to a June race date beginning in 2009 it would appear that Noguchi is likely to run Chicago next fall should her recovery proceed smoothly.

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