SONIA O'SULLIVAN, who confirmed her entry for the world indoor championships yesterday, has hinted that she may also compete in the world cross country championship at Turin on March 22nd.
After stating that she would run in the indoor championships in Paris for the first time, O'Sullivan spelled out the conditions which could take her to Italy for a second appearance in the endurance test.
It would depend on how I felt after running in Paris, and on the kind of team BLE send to Italy," she said.
"It was good to see Catherina McKiernan back and running so well in France at the weekend. I think I could have a big run if I go to the cross country race, and Ireland could have a chance in the team event."
The bad news for O'Sullivan is that when preliminary entries closed a fortnight ago for the cross country championship, tee first to carry prize money, BLE had not entered a team.
In line with a decision taken some time ago that they would not enter a team if they failed to get into the top six in the European championship at Charleroi in France, they have ruled against the additional expense of sending a squad to Italy.
As it happened, they finished joint seventh with Spain in the European race, and O'Sullivan's hopes of competing in Turin as an individual are threatened by a BLE stipulation that only those who run in either the national inter county or inter club championship will be considered for selection.
She did not compete in the inter counties championship in December and will be running in the Melbourne Grand Prix meeting when the inter club championship takes place in Cork on February 22nd. BLE can still forward a late team entry to the IAAF, but that is considered unlikely.
The team to compete in the indoor championships will be named next week and in view of the high profile which Sonia O'Sullivan's presence in the 3,000 metres will ensure, it is certain to attract a lot of attention.
BLE have budgeted for a maximum of six, and assuming that one of these places will now be reserved for the world 5,000 metres outdoor champion, it is going to make for some sharp competition among others in line for nomination.
Niall Bruton, recent winner of an AAA indoor championship title, will presumably be entered for the 1,500m, and David Matthews, described as "currently very competitive" by Sonia O'Sullivan, his training partner in Australia, will have strong claims for selection for the 800m.
Susan Smith, who was injured on a recent tour of South Africa, has to prove her fitness before being considered for selection and others who may enter into consideration are Marcus O'Sullivan, a triple winner of the 1,500m title, and Mark Mandy the national high jump record holder.
