BLE officials have made it clear they support Sonia O'Sullivan's decision to take a break from international competition this year.
A statement issued yesterday by the board's public relations officer, Patsy McGonagle, said that while they were disappointed O'Sullivan would not defend her world cross country titles, they respected her decision.
"BLE were made aware that for personal reasons Sonia O'Sullivan will be unable to participate in the world cross country championships in Belfast," the statement read. "The board, while regretting that decision, are delighted to know that the main focus of Sonia's attention remains the Olympic Games in Sydney next year.
"Irish athletics wishes this great servant of the sport every success in her bid to win further glory for Ireland in Australia at that time.
"We totally respect her personal decision and extend good wishes from everybody in the sport in this country."
The organising committee of the Belfast championships hope Catherina McKiernan may yet be available to lead the Irish team in O'Sullivan's absence.
Noel Munnis, member of the committee, said in a television interview that there was a slim chance that McKiernan could still accommodate the race in her schedule.
"Catherina has already stated that she will not run in Belfast as she is recovering from surgery on her knee. But there may now be a tiny hope that she will compete," he said.
At this point, however, that remains little more than a fond aspiration. McKiernan's normal plan is to run a half marathon a full five weeks before embarking on the full marathon distance.
And with this year's London marathon, her main objective, brought forward a week to April 20th, there would not be enough time to allow her to run both races.
After having to delete two of her preparatory races, at Durham and Dunleer, because of injury, McKiernan's plan of campaign is far from clear. But one suspects her thoughts are focused more on road running than cross country.
Dougie Walker, the Scottish athlete who has tested positive for a banned substance, yesterday issued a vehement denial through his solicitor that he had taken a steroid supplement named 19-NOR.
Walker faces a hearing that could lead to a ban from the sport if a positive test is confirmed.
But Nick Bitel, who is acting for the European 200 metres champion, said: "I find these reports incredible and I am speechless at these claims.
"Dougie Walker has never knowingly taken any banned substance."
Bitel also said that even if Walker had taken the substance - which he hadn't - 19-NOR was only now being added to the international banned list and was not on the list when Walker was tested.
The International Amateur Athletics Federation were unable to confirm or deny the status of 19-NOR.
