Dobriskey thankful for help from Paula

LISA DOBRISKEY has paid tribute to legendary runner Paula Radcliffe after she returned from a horrific injury to finish second at the Olympic trials.

Former Commonwealth champion Dosbriskey, 28, who turned out at the trials in her Ashford AC colours, hasn't run the A standard required for selection but the top-two finish could mean she's given a discretionary place at the Games.

Her achievements are all the more remarkable given that she recently revealed she has been suffering with blood clots on her lungs.

The result of the clots was a vastly-reduced lung capacity, a problem which was picked up by hospital scans after Dobriskey reported problems with her breathing.

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But the plucky ex-Southlands school pupil put her problems off the track behind her in Birmingham.

Dobriskey said: "There have been a few times when I've thought it wasn't possible to run again.

"I've had some really low days where I would just feel a bit sorry for myself but as soon as I was okay to train I'd feel much happier and I was able to refocus.

"Paula Radcliffe has been a huge help. She had a similar injury to me in Beijing and has been giving me lots of advice with training and the mental side.

"It was great to be back on the start line in Birmingham but also a little frustrating to not be able to compete to win. I knew, going into the race, that second was the best I could realistically hope for and anything less would seriously jeopardise my Olympic selection hopes so there was still a lot of pressure.

"I wasn't ready to race but I didn't really have a choice."

Dobriskey – and a host of other athletes including controversial sprinter Dwain Chambers – has been left out the London 2012 squad, fuelling speculation they have already done enough for selection.

But Dobriskey isn't counting her chickens.

She said: "I really need to get some training in and the Europeans would be disruptive to the next six weeks so I can only hope I've done enough.

"The experience of a home Games is something I don't really think can be put into words.

"The Beijing Olympics was so special – to be an Olympian was a dream come true – but to experience that in your home country would be overwhelming."

Dobriskey's former coach Stella Bandu praised the Romney Marsh girl's grit and determination.

Bandu said: "When she was younger she was always very focused and determined and she's still the same now.

"To have all the problems she's had and to overcome them is remarkable and is testament to her as a person and an athlete.

Bandu added: "It's great for the local area to see people like Lisa doing so well.

"Jack Green has been great too and it just goes to show all the youngsters that they could be the next Green or Dobriskey.

"Runners can run in there international or club colours but Lisa was in the yellow and black of Ashford, which was great to see."