Athetics: I just wasn't focused, says Sonia
Sonia O’Sullivan’s dreams of a 1,500 and 3,000m double came to an instant halt two thirds of the way during the longer race when the Cork star fell off the pace.
Less than three hours after qualifying easily for tomorrow’s 1,500m final, O’Sullivan was attempting to match the feat of arch-rival Gabriela Szabo who won both titles in Maebashi two years ago.
But her plan went badly wrong as O’Sullivan finished seventh in 8:44.37 as world record holder Szabo, who clocked 8:39.65 and bidding for a fourth successive crown, was outsprinted on the final 200m-circuit by Olga Yegorova who set a Russian record of 8:37.48.
"I just wasn’t focused," said O’Sullivan.
"I didn’t feel right. I finished strong and thought I could get among them but I didn’t have it in my legs. I’m glad I have one more chance tomorrow."
The Olympic medallist's hopes were abruptly halted after the first kilometre of the race when O’Sullivan failed to stay with the very fast pace Szabo was forcing at the head of a very strong field.
Falling almost 20m adrift it was a scene reminiscent of last year’s Olympic 5,000m final when O’Sullivan dropped off the pace but recovered brilliantly before losing the gold medal to Szabo in a thrilling sprint for the line.
But on this occasion although she came back at the field and broke the Irish record of 8:46.19 - which she set when winning the silver medal behind the Romanian in her last championships appearance four years ago in Paris - the result was totally different.
