Sonia to attract the crowds in Cork

A RECORD crowd is expected at the Mardyke this afternoon (2.00pm-5.00pm) to see if the queen of Irish athletics can run the fastest 3,000m ever in Ireland.

O'Sullivan comes into today's meet in superb form having won her last two races and is hoping to record a time of around 8:40 in front of her home town fans.

"I think 8:40 is the quickest time and i would hope to run faster than that this afternoon," Sonia O'Sullivan said.

THe Cobh athlete will be making her first appearance at the BUPA Cork City Sports in four years this afternoon and if the weather remains as calm as it is now, chances are that O'Sullivan will set a

new Irish record for the 3,000m.

She will be pushed all the way by a very strong field that includes Amreican Amy Rudolph, British runner Kathy Butler and Australians Natalie Harvey and Hayley McGregor.

The 3,000m is still considered to be her best event and the Cork public will be expecting another sintillating performance from their favourite athlete who will switch her attention to the national senior

championship in the Morton Stadium where she will attempt to reach the qualifying standard for the European Championship 5,000m.

Sonia O'Sullivan will be in action at 4.20pm this afternoon.