O’Sullivan
joins Zatopek Classic field
Athletics Australia
28 November 2000 - Ireland’s distance running legend Sonia O’Sullivan has today joined Kenyan runners Luke Kipkosgei and Abraham Chebii as the international contingent confirmed for the 2000 Zatopek Classic at Melbourne’s Olympic Park on Monday 4 December. Today O’Sullivan celebrates her 32nd birthday preparing for the annual 10,000 metres showpiece.
O’Sullivan is one of the most decorated distance runners in the world - a link she has with Emil Zatopek whom this annual race was named and whom passed away last week.
After winning an Olympic silver medal in the 5000 metres this year in a classic duel with Romania’s Gabriela Szabo, O’Sullivan set a personal best of 30:53.37 in the Olympic 10,000m final for sixth place and then in late October won her first ever marathon in Dublin showing her tremendous versatility.
O’Sullivan was also the 1995 World Champion over 5000m; European Champion over 3000m in 1994 and then 5000m and 10000m in 1998; World Cup Champion in 1998; and, World Cross Country Champion in 1998 amongst her many achievements.
After giving birth to daughter Ciara in July 1999, she was soon back in action with a world road best for five miles in October. In Australia last season O’Sullivan won the 10,000 metres at the Australian Championships after winning the women’s 5000 metres at the Sydney Grand Prix.
O’Sullivan said today she was honoured to race in such a prestigious 10,000m event named after one of the true legends of distance running.
"I never met Zatopek but I have read and heard a lot about him. I imagine he was the sort of man who, if he was in a city and found that there was a race on and he was fit and well, then he would want to participate in that event. That is the same situation for me," she said.
"This race is a fitting tribute to a great man - a legend everywhere in Australia and in Ireland. It is also a perfect way for me to kick start the 2001 season."
This information has been provided by Athletics Australia
