Sonia runs out of time

Athletics News: The curtain has come down on at least one act in Sonia O'Sullivan's great career with yesterday's announcement that she won't be competing in this weekend's National Championships in Santry.

O'Sullivan was intent on racing over 5,000 metres in an effort to salvage something from the season, but a foot injury that has been bothering her for the past two weeks and has failed to improve enough has now forced her to withdraw.

Having travelled to Ger Hartmann's clinic in Limerick for some final medical advice, O'Sullivan was ultimately left with no choice but to call time on her season.

She turns 36 this October and although she has hinted at the possibility of continuing until the Beijing Olympics in 2008, O'Sullivan's days on the track must surely be at an end.

The problem flared up earlier this month when O'Sullivan attempted to run the 5,000 metres at the British championships in Manchester.

She dropped out with four laps remaining and despite regular treatment since then the problem has not abated.

Although she can run in straight lines, the tight bends involved in track running heighten the effects of the injury.

"It is disappointing as I was looking forward to the race," she explained.

"And I always enjoy the championships."

Her withdrawal also confirms what was already expected in that O'Sullivan won't be part of the Irish team at next month's World Championships in Helsinki.

Although she has the A-standard in both the 5,000 metres and marathon her injury rules out any chance of her even contemplating the option of travelling.

It is still likely that O'Sullivan will make one more attempt at the marathon, and at least try to improve on her time of two hours 29 minutes that she ran in London earlier this year - a time good enough for eighth place.

What is equally likely is that O'Sullivan won't be seen at a major championship on the track again.