Sonia O'Sullivan has been named Australia's team coach for the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh on 30 March.
O'Sullivan, who scored a long and short course double in 1998, has had dual Australian and Irish nationality since 2006.
Ireland's greatest ever sportswoman, who has homes in London and Melbourne, was delighted to be offered the role by Athletics Australia.
O'Sullivan said: 'I hope that my experiences in the past will inspire the team to run at a high level and challenge for a medal.
'It is now ten years since my double victory at the WXC in Marrakech so the World Cross Country always has a special place in my heart.'
She added: "Most of the girls on the team I have trained with while in Australia.
'We hope that this familiarity and experience I have will lead to a good team spirit that is required for a good team performance in Edinburgh.'
Athletics Australia are sending a 22-strong team to the Scottish capital and are hopeful that O'Sullivan's guidance will speed up the development of their youngsters.
'Having Sonia as team coach will be a great opportunity for the development of our junior athletes,' said Australia team manager Tim O'Shaughnessy.
It has also been announced that the Cobh native will participate in this year's Great Ireland Run in the Phoenix Park on Sunday 6 April.
