Paula Radcliffe apologized on 25 July for wishing convicted rapist Steven van de Velde 'best of luck' at the Olympics.
What happened?
Radcliffe, a former British marathon world champion, expressed her support for van de Velde on radio station LBC.
Van de Velde was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl, but only served 12 months.
Why it matters for Paula Radcliffe
Radcliffe's comments sparked widespread backlash, with many criticizing her for not condemning van de Velde's actions.
The British athlete has competed at four Olympic games and won the New York City marathon three times.
What comes next?
Radcliffe issued an apology on social media, stating she believes in second chances but thinks the Olympics should be for those who uphold its ideals.
She expressed shock and disappointment at how she expressed her support for van de Velde, and apologized for any offense caused.
On Wednesday, Radcliffe appeared on LBC and discussed athletes being banned from the Olympics for doping before turning her attention to van de Velde.
Radcliffe said she wishes van de Velde the best of luck, but later retracted her statement after facing criticism.
The incident has raised questions about the suitability of van de Velde's participation in the Olympics, given his conviction for a serious crime.
Radcliffe's apology has been accepted by some, but others continue to criticize her for her initial support of van de Velde.
The Netherlands beach volleyball player's selection for the Olympic team was announced last month, despite his conviction.
Radcliffe has won numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including three New York City marathon titles.
Her apology has been seen as a attempt to rectify the situation and restore her reputation.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the participation of athletes with criminal convictions in major sporting events.