MICHELLE SMITH received the substantial reward of a £30,000 Achievement Bonus for her exploits at the Atlanta Games from the Olympic Council of Ireland (OCI) at a function in Jurys Hotel, Ballsbridge yesterday.

"This is an important token of our appreciation of Michelle's outstanding performances and we hope to introduce another Achievement Bonus for the Sydney 2000 Games, subject to the success of our commercial sponsorship and marketing activity," said Pat Hickey, president of the OCI.

The Achievement Bonus is made up exclusively from monies earned by the Council's marketing and sponsoring activities and it was presented to Smith in front of the commercial sponsors of the Olympic team.

The OCI also announced its intention to involve more women at an organisational level. A commission - to promote the greater involvement by women in the administration of the 27 Olympic sports federations - is expected presently. "We have been concerned at the very low number of women coming forward from the sports federations as candidates at Olympic Council elections," said Hickey.