COBH closed ranks around its most famous citizen, Sonia O'Sullivan, yesterday. The mood in the Co Cork seaside town was one of tremendous sympathy for the athlete. There was also an unspoken optimism among those who remember she sprang back from defeat in the Barcelona Olympics to take world titles last former coach, Mr Sean Kennedy, admitted he was devastated after the 26 year old athlete left the track having trailed behind the other runners in Atlanta. A party he and his wife, Mary, had organised for the event went ahead but without the expected enthusiasm.
Mr Kennedy, who coached her for eight years up to 1992, said he did not believe Sonia O'Sullivan had been overcome with fear or nerves during the final of the 5,000 metres. "It had to be a physical problem because once a race begins she is in a world of her own and nothing interferes with her" he said.
Whatever affected her had also been a problem when she ran the qualifying heat last week. "The heat or humidity would not affect her that much, but she was perspiring too much and this would explain it," he said. He feared she might not be able to recover in time to compete in the 1,500 metre heat tomorrow.
"But she is such a brave lassie she could well bounce back and stun us all," he added. He discounted the controversial last minute change of gear for Sonia O'Sullivan in the tunnel before last week's heat. She would have used that to her advantage and as we saw it certainly did not affect her performance in that race.
Among the 30 strong contingent from Cobh in Atlanta is Mrs Phyllis Kidney, chairwoman of the Ballymore Cobh athletic club where Sonia began her running career. She is accompanied by her husband, Billy, chairman of Cobh Urban District Council, who works with Sonia's father, Mr John O'Sullivan.
"We were all there to cheer her on, but from the moment she, walked on to the track 4 thoughts" there was something wrong with her. I thought it might be appendicitis. We are so sorry for her after all the training and work she put into this, but I must admit we are also relieved that she was not injured. At least if she is just ill, she will recover," said Mrs Kidney, whose family had organised the Atlanta trip as a 30th wedding anniversary present.
Mr Kidney said yesterday. "We, all feel as though we have lost something, but we have to be supportive and we hope she will bounce back."