Sculpture to ‘capture Sonia spirit’

Tourism officials in Cobh, Co Cork, are planning to erect a life-size sculpture of local athlete and Olympic silver medallist Sonia O’Sullivan.

The monument is set to be located on a public path adjacent to Kennedy Quay.

Cobh Tourism Ltd said the purpose of the memorial is “to capture and communicate the determination and indomitable spirit” of the runner. Artists have until mid-July to submit their sculpture proposals.

Earlier this year a UCC athletics track at Cork’s Mardyke was named in honour of Sonia, who received an honorary degree from UCC four years ago. She was also awarded the Freedom of Cork in 2005.

Sonia, 43, lives in Melbourne, Australia. She has two daughters, Ciara and Sophie, and has spent a lot of time commuting from Australia in recent years in her role as chef de mission for Team Ireland at the London 2012 Olympics.

Although retired from Olympic competition, Sonia has taken part in a number of marathon challenges in support of Irish Guide Dogs and the Leukaemia Research Foundation.

Most recently she competed with an Irish team running, cycling, sailing and rowing over 1,000 miles in aid of Sport Relief.