Athletics: O'Sullivan hopeful of recovering fitness

Sonia O'Sullivan is hoping to be fully fit to run in the World Cross Country short course race on the second day of the championships.

O'Sullivan has suffered a double bout of sickness all week and was sent home from her weekly intensive track session on Tuesday night by coach Alan Storey.

O'Sullivan visited her doctor the following morning who prescribed anti-biotics for a chest complaint.

Almost immediately last year's Olympic 5,000metre silver medallist finished up in her dentist's chair where, after a quick examination, he provided medication for a troublesome wisdom tooth.

At one stage it seemed O'Sullivan might miss the championships, but the programme schedule worked in her favour.

Sonia never had any intention of competing in Saturday's eight kilometre race allowing her an extra 24 hours to overcome her medical problems.

O'Sullivan went for a brisk jog in the Belgian seaside resort on Saturday morning and will again test out her fitness in the evening before reaching her decision whether to take part in the championships.

The signs however, are looking good for her.