ATHLETICS: If running well in the weeks before a major championships is any indication, then Sonia O'Sullivan might yet have another memorable summer. Ian O'Riordan reports.

Yesterday in Santry she won the National 5,000 metres title - her second race over the distance in less than 48 hours - and announced afterwards her sole focus for the World Championships in Paris in just under two weeks time is now on that event.

Of course it's not hugely significant but the last time O'Sullivan committed herself to one event only was the 5,000 metres at the 1995 World Championships in Gothenburg - which she won. Clearly, though, it is an indication of both her enduring belief in her ability over that distance and her growing confidence that yet another major championship medal may yet prove within her grasp.

But there is no doubt there is real energy returning to O'Sullivan's running - and her talking. "I know exactly where I am now," she said after collecting her gold medal, and her 12th national track title in all.

"And I'm ready. I've done lots of training, so the main thing was just to get the few races to sharpen up. And I do expect to be competitive in Paris now, and to keep up as long as I can. But I know I'm not the favourite. I just intend running the best I can, and if I come away with a medal then I'm going to be very happy."

Her winning time at Santry of 15 minutes, 20.68 seconds won't turn too many heads on the international circuit, yet it followed her 15:06.19 effort when finishing sixth at the London Grand Prix on Friday night, and that was by far her most encouraging run of the season.

She admitted, too, she had a long, 90-minute run on the Saturday.

"I was a little bit tired alright. I just wanted to come here and win, and typically, the 5,000 metres is the easier option. But today turned out as a good hard race, which was just what I needed.

"I might not be as sharp yet, but there had been something missing there, like all that winter background. But I can't change that, so I'll get on with what I've got, and get the best out of myself. I think the ability is still there, so I'll just need to work on the concentration, and focusing on the race."

O'Sullivan was well tested on the day by Clare athlete Marie Davenport, who did have both the experience and the ability to put up a serious challenge to the Olympic silver medallist. Yet once O'Sullivan put the foot down around the final bend the result was never in doubt, with Davenport finishing some four seconds back in 15:24.54.

There will now be one final pre-Paris test for O'Sullivan, over 3,000 metres at the Golden league meeting in Zurich on Friday night, and while she has still to set the track truly on fire this season, her confidence and enthusiasm don't appear to be in any way reduced.

Davenport, however, was rewarded for her effort with selection for the 10,000 metres in Paris, the event in which she had already achieved the B-standard qualifying time.

In total, 16 athletes will make up the team for Paris, which was announced at the conclusion of the championships, including Gareth Turnbull in the 1,500 metres and Paul Brizzel in the 200 metres - both of whom had just secured their selection by winning the respective national titles.

Also included on the men's side is a 400-metre relay squad, which is fronted by national champion Paul McKee and also includes Gary Ryan, the athlete most unlucky to miss out on an individual selection.

IrishTeam

(IAAF World Championships, Paris - August 23rd-31st)

Men

200m: Paul Brizzel (Ballymena & Antrim)

400m: Paul McKee (Beechmount Harriers)

1,500m: Gareth Turnbull (St Malachy's)

5,000m/10,000m: Cathal Lombard (Leevale)

110m hurdles: Peter Coghlan (Crusaders)

50km walk: Jamie Costin (West Waterford)

4 x 400m: Paul McKee, David Gillick (DSD), David McCarthy (Celbridge), Paul Opperman (DSD), Gary Ryan (Nenagh Olympic), Paul Brizzel

Women

400m: Karen Shinkins (DCH)

5,000m: Sonia O'Sullivan (Ballymore/Cobh)

10,000m: Marie Davenport (Marian)

100m hurdles: Derval O'Rourke (UCD)

20km walk: Gillian O'Sullivan (Farranfore), Olive Loughnane (Loughrea)