Ireland
Sonia books final place with comfortable win
Friday, 22 September 2000 09:51The Cobh athlete, Sonia O'Sullivan, has qualified for the final of the 5000 metres at the Sydney Olympics. She won the qualifying heat in a time of 15 minutes, 7.92 seconds, almost three seconds faster than she has run this season.
Sonia O'Sullivan looked perfectly relaxed and in control as she took the initiative early in the race, and although she slipped to fifth with four laps to go, she remained on the heels of the pacesetters, perfectly poised to take first spot with a flying finish. Ireland's other runner in the race, Limerick's Rosemary Ryan, also had a fine race, but fell off the pace with over a lap to go, and could only manage ninth place, outside qualification for Monday's final.
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