Emotional Sonia presents daughter with Euro medal

THERE was an emotional moment for Sonia O’Sullivan at the European U18 Championships in Gyor, Hungary, yesterday, where the world champion and Olympic medallist presented her daughter with the first international medal of her career.

Sophie O’Sullivan (16) turned in a stunning performance on Saturday night to win a silver medal for Ireland in the girls’ 800m, finishing second in 2:06.05, a lifetime best.

Organisers swiftly made arrangements for Sonia to present the medals at last night’s ceremony.

“I’m delighted for her, really happy,” said Sonia. “This is her first Irish team and hopefully it’ll go on for many years to come.”

Sophie was born and raised in Melbourne, Australia, and has dual citizenship which allows her to switch allegiance between nations until U18 level, after which she will be forced to choose one.

Sophie O’Sullivan with the 800m silver medal presented to her by her mother, Sonia O’Sullivan, at the European Athletics U18 Championship in Hungary.