ATHLETICS: Sonia O'Sullivan confirmed yesterday she would like to run for Australia in next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. The 35-year-old, who lives in Melbourne, says she will never renounce her Irish citizenship and will continue to represent her native country as long she is racing at international level.
But having spent so much time Down Under with partner Nic Bideau and her young daughters Ciara and Sophie, she wants to run in an Aussie vest at the Games next March. "Why not?" O'Sullivan said: "Over the years I've made many friends down here and they keep asking me when will I run for them."
O'Sullivan, who became an Australian resident last year, yesterday sent off her official application to become a full citizen of the country which, for almost a decade, has been her winter training residence.
"Both the girls have dual nationality so I see no reason, given I spend so much time here, to not also get an Australian passport," said O'Sullivan, who claimed her Olympic 5,000metres silver medal in Sydney five years ago.
She has the backing of Athletics Australia, who have written a supporting letter for her passport application. "Now we'll have to wait and see what happens," O'Sullivan added. "But I really do want to compete in the Commonwealth Games for Australia.
"I suppose it will make for plenty of discussion in Ireland and possibly some controversy," she admitted. "I might be a little out of date, but if Roy Keane can play for Manchester United why can't I represent another country?"
WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Jenny Burke, the second most capped player in Irish hockey, has announced her retirement from the international game, bringing to an end a senior career that began in February 1995 when she made her debut against China at a tournament in St Petersburg, reports Mary Hannigan.
While it had been anticipated that last August's European Championships in Dublin would be Burke's final tournament for Ireland coach Riet Kuper had hoped to persuade the 31-year-old to stay on for next April's World Cup Qualifier in Rome. Due to "a combination of family and work commitments", however, Burke has opted to end her international career now.
"I've travelled the world representing my country playing a sport I love, but now it's time to hang up the boots and concentrate on my career and personal life," she said. "I've made a lot of friends and have great memories of my hockey career since my first cap in 1995. I wish Riet and the team all the best in the forthcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Rome."
"It's a great loss for the Irish team and for myself," said Kuper. "Jenny is one of the best Irish players I have worked with over the past years."
CRICKET: Brian Lara edged to within 12 runs of breaking Allan Border's all-time runs record with a brilliant double century which rescued the West Indies on the first day of the third Test against Australia in Adelaide. The left-hander ended the day 202 not out off 266 balls to put him within touching distance of the former Australia captain's aggregate of 11,174.
