The Irish women's team have won the bronze medal at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships at Leopardstown Racecourse, in a race won individually by Kenyan Edith Masai. Sonia O'Sullivan, who only returned to training in January following the birth of her second child last year, finished a magnificent seventh in a time of 13 minutes 55 seconds, while 40-year-old Ann Keenan-Buckley produced an amazing performance to finish tenth. Rosemary Ryan was next highest of the Irish ladies, finishing 19th and Maria McCambridge confirmed the bronze by coming home in 62nd.
Before the race it was accepted East African countries would dominate and for the second successive year victory went to a strong Ethiopian squad with individual winner Masai - who clocked 13 minutes 30 seconds for the 4,228 metres - leading Kenya to the silver medals. But the battle for bronze saw a tremendous duel between the host country, who stayed ahead of the Russian and Australian runners by just a single point.
A delighted O'Sullivan admitted afterwards: "I was surprised how well I felt and the first time I felt any pressure was at the halfway point. In fact I felt so well after the first mile I thought I could win it." Seventh at the halfway mark, the Olympic 5,000m silver medallist dropped a couple of places before producing a great sprint finish in the home straight straight.
Initially after crossing the line she heard the Russian's had taken third place on countback - but misery turned quickly to joy almost immediately when she learned she and her team-mates had landed the bronze medals. The Cobh athlete added: "This is as good a feeling I have ever had in the past for Ireland. Today I laid the foundations for my summer season - I still believe my fastest times still have to come."
Overall placings:1. Edith Masai (Ken) 13:302. Werknesh Kidane (Eth) 13:36 3. Isabella Ochichi (Ken) 13:39 4. Benita Johnson (Aus) 13:42 5. Suzy Favor-Hamilton (USA) 13:47 6. Abebech Negussie (Eth) 13:53 7. Sonia O'Sullivan (Irl) 13:5510. Anne Keenan-Buckley (Irl) 14:0319. Rosemary Ryan (Irl) 14:14
Team event:1. Ethiopia 322. Kenya 343. Ireland 85
Filed by Shane Murray
