O'Sullivan to defend titles

ATHLETICS/News round up: Sonia O'Sullivan yesterday announced her intention to defend both her European titles on the track this summer, confirming her entry in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres at the 18th European Athletics Championships, to be staged in the Munich Olympic Stadium from August 6th-11th.

Four years ago in Budapest, O'Sullivan won both titles in truly convincing style and the Munich timetable allows for a similar double, starting with a straight final in the longer race on the opening day.

The 5,000 metres also appears set to be a final only on Saturday, August 10th.

"I couldn't really be happier with my form at the moment," said O'Sullivan, who made a brief visit home to also confirm her entry to the Cork City Sports on July 6th.

"I'm especially delighted with the last two races I've had on the road and the track. I feel the speed is coming back into my legs now as well, so I think it's definitely possible to go for the double again in Munich. I'm looking forward to a few more races before then, including the Cork City Sports, but everything from now on is gearing towards Munich."

Though pre-selected for both events, O'Sullivan has yet to clock the necessary qualifying times since returning from her lay-off last season.

On Sunday she runs 10,000 metres at the British Commonwealth Games trials in Manchester and should have little trouble coming home inside the required mark of 32 minutes 30 seconds.

From there she goes to the Sheffield Grand Prix on June 30th, bypassing an invite to Oslo, with an eye on the 5,000-metre mark of 15 minutes 30 seconds.

She then returns to Cork where the meeting organisers have put together a world class field over 3,000 metres.