Something special expected from Sonia in 5,000m final

TWO people closely associated with Sonia O’Sullivan anticipate something special in tomorrow’s 5,000m final at the World Championships in Paris.

Partner Nic Bideau, and her former underage coach Sean Kennedy have been mightily impressed by her performances and hunger in recent weeks. O'Sullivan, according to Bideau, reacts best to the type of pressure in events of this stature.

"She seems to have found the Grand Prix circuit somewhat jaded. Similar routines and pace-making have taken the fun out of competition. If you examine her record of the last three years you will see she needs exciting challenges to be at her best challenges like these world championships.