LIZ Yelling will be joined by close friend and former training partner Paula Radcliffe in tomorrow's Marathon after the world record holder confirmed her participation in the event.

Yelling, who lives in Poole, told the Daily Echo prior to travelling to Beijing that a top-12 finish would be her "dream" outcome.

And the day of reckoning is almost here for the 33-year-old, who was 25th in the marathon at the Athens Games, with the race set to start at 12.30am British time.

All eyes, however, are likely to be on Yelling's British team-mate Radcliffe, who yesterday confirmed her involvement after overcoming a stress fracture in her leg.

The pair know each other inside out and grew up as training partners from the age of 10.

They will be joined by another Team GB member on the start line, Mara Yamauchi completing the trio.

ALISON'S FINAL DATE

BOURNEMOUTH-born Alison Knowles will be part of the British crew who go in search of a medal in the women's eight rowing final.

The World Championships bronze medallists came through Wednesday's repechage to seal a place in the final, where reigning champions the USA are expected to be the boat to beat.

Knowles, 26, has enjoyed a rapid rise in the sport, having only taken up rowing in 2000 while studying at Exeter University.

The race will take place tomorrow at approximately 10.10am.

WRIGHT'S TURN

CLAIRE Wright today got her first taste of the Olympic Games.

The Bournemouth-based star, who trains at Poole gymnastics club OLGA, was scheduled to compete in the women's trampoline qualifiers in the early hours of this morning.

Wright, whose 22-year career has seen her collect 44 world and European medals, plans to retire after the Beijing event.