The 38-year-old world record holder had to admit defeat at the weekend after struggling to recover osteoarthritis in her foot.

"I knew I was reserve and wanted to be ready to race if the opportunity did come up," said Murray.

"It's such a sad time for Paula and it just must be horrible," said Murray, who clocked 2 hours 28min 10sec in London and now becomes the first Scottish woman to represent Britain in an Olympic marathon since Liz McColgan at the Atlanta Games of 1996.

"Paula sent me a message once she made the decision to pull out so it was really good of her and I really appreciated that.

"I'm gutted for Paula and it's horrendous what she's had to go through in the last few weeks.

"But I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of taking her place."

Murray, who runs for both the Chester-le-Street and Edinburgh clubs and works as a structural engineer in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, represented Scotland in the 5000 metres and 10,000 metres at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.

Team GB Chef de Mission Andy Hunt added: "We are proud to welcome Freya to Team GB.

"We know she has been training hard and preparing, and will arrive fully ready to compete and deliver her personal best."

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