Melkamu steps in to replace O'Sullivan

Athletics : Rising star Meselech Melkamu has been included in Sunday's Great BUPA Ireland Run as a late replacement for Sonia…

Athletics: Rising star Meselech Melkamu has been included in Sunday's Great BUPA Ireland Run as a late replacement for Sonia O'Sullivan.

The Ethiopian, a bronze medallist at last weekend's world cross country championships in Japan, will be making her debut appearance in the Phoenix Park event

O'Sullivan, winner of the inaugural 10 kilometres race three years ago, was forced to withdraw having failed to recover from the hamstring injury suffered in training for the Commonwealth Games.

"Melkamu jumped at the opportunity to come and compete in Dublin and clearly is in great shape," said Matthew Turnbull, the race's elite athletes director. "On paper given her current form she must start as favourite, but let's remember after her exertions in Fukuoka, she might be a little on the tired side after her efforts."