Jo Pavey hopes London Marathon 2017 can be springboard to more success

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Jo Pavey is hopeful London can prove a defining point in her career ahead of her first Marathon for six years.

The 43-year-old looks set to receive her reallocated World Championship bronze medal from 10 years ago at this year’s Worlds at the former Olympic Stadium in August, for which she hopes to qualify on Sunday.

The mum of two needs to finish in the top two British women in the race with the qualifying time of 2hrs 36mins to book her place.

"Whatever happens on Sunday with qualifying, I’m getting a medal at the World Championships, even if I’m getting it 10 years late," she told Standard Sport.

"I was denied getting a medal in 2007 but this time I can get a medal for my kids, a medal I won long before they were born."

IAAF president Sebastian Coe has pushed for Pavey to be awarded the bronze on the big stage after silver medallist Elvan Abeylegesse’s disqualification for doping.

With that in mind and what’s at stake on Sunday, she says London could prove a defining point of an illustrious career.

"I’d be thrilled to receive that medal on home soil in a major championships," she said. "It’s bitter sweet because back then I felt finishing fourth I’d let my friends and family down, and missed my moment on the podium."

London Marathon through the years - In pictures

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Pavey insists she has no plans to retire and believes London can be a springboard to a late career over 26.2 miles.

"After my fifth Olympics, I needed a fresh challenge and qualifying for the World Championships in London in the marathon is just that," she added.

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