SONIA O’SULLIVAN has described daughter Sophie’s success at the U18 European Championships in Hungary as “a dream come true” after the teenager claimed a silver medal in the 800m final in Hungary.
Sophie O’Sullivan produced an impressive run on Saturday evening in Győr, with her finishing time of 2:06.05 coming in just behind winner Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain who clocked up a time of 2:04.84.
It was the runner’s first appearance at a major athletics championship, with mother Sonia expressing her delight afterwards despite some pre-race nerves.
“I was a little bit nervous, but I think I was more nervous for the semi-final. She doesn’t want to miss out, so I knew that she just wanted to be in the final,” she said.
One of the proudest parents in Gyor!
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) July 8, 2018
Sonia O'Sullivan's daughter Sophie won a silver medal in the 800m at the European U18 Championships last night.
Listen to her thoughts after last night's 800m final. pic.twitter.com/dnDP5KNN2O
“I told her tonight: ‘everybody is ranked number eight right now, so every person you finish ahead of is a bonus’.
“I knew she was going to run really well. I didn’t know what the result would be, her dad asked me this afternoon how I thought she would do, and I didn’t answer him because I didn’t want to be making predictions.
I just knew that the 800m’s is one of those races that if you’re in a good position and are a competitive person, then anything can happen.
“I knew that if Sophie was within range of the top three, she would make sure she got a medal. I’m just delighted for her and am really, really happy.
“There was no pressure or expectation, I just wanted her to go out there, run her best and walk off the track happy.
Think being an athlete is nerve-wracking? Being the parent of an athlete is even more nerve-wracking!
— European Athletics (@EuroAthletics) July 8, 2018
Watch Sonia O'Sullivan live every moment of Sophie's silver medal-winning run in the 800m final at the European U18 Championships last night! pic.twitter.com/v7mwL52NKH
“She couldn’t be happier and is delighted with her performance tonight.”
O’Sullivan will present her daughter with the silver medal later today, and said that the teenager’s first involvement with the Irish team at a major championships had been a tremendous experience.
To be part of the team out here is just fantastic. All the girls have been really welcoming to Sophie, this is her first Irish team.
“She only knows the girls the past couple of weeks and they’ve all been really nice to her and she’s had a fantastic time. It’s been brilliant and hopefully there’s many more years to come.
“It’s a huge bonus to come away with a medal in her first championships.
“It’s just fantastic and is a dream come true for her.”
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