SONIA SENDS THANKS

Sir, - I would like to take this opportunity, through your letters page, to express my thanks and appreciation to the people of Ireland for the good wishes letters cards, medals, faxes which have been pouring into Cobh for the past month. The postman has a path worn to our front door, a bit like the mark I left around the Cobh Vocational School fields, from running around so many times.

Atlanta is slowly finding its way to the back of my mind, as I begin to get myself back on "track" and refocus on the things I enjoy most - running along the river, through the parks gaining strength and speed with every step through the nature that surrounds me.

I never imagined that I could be so "sick", as to lose my strength and competitiveness - for the biggest race of my life so far! I only ever thought that injuries slowed me down and prevented me from being my best.

I now realise how important this Olympic moment was to me. To have it taken away before my eyes - helpless, I left the track, looking forward to another day - time to start all over again!

Twice now, I have been close to Olympic medals. Who knows, maybe it is destined to be third time lucky for me. I am not afraid of the challenge which lies ahead, just eager to get back out there again, on the track - in the front - in control!

Thank you for being so loyal and supportive. I believe the future can only bring better, brighter days. - Yours, etc,

London.

P.S.

As I have just completed this note of thanks, the postman has just arrived with another parcel of letters for me to wade my way through. Thank you again to all those people whose letters are still unopened - they will be reads as soon as I get back from training today!