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Melkamu vervangt OSullivan

Melkamu hier in actie tijdens de wegwedstrijd van Carlsbad

Meselech Melkamu winner of the long and short course bronze medals at last weekends IAAF World Cross Country Championships, is a late entry for Sundays Great BUPA Ireland Run.Ethiopias 20-year-old former 2004 world junior cross country champion, is a last minute replacement for Sonia OSullivan, winner of the inaugural 10 kilometres race three years ago.

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The Irishwoman is still not fully recovered from the hamstring injury which prevented her representing Australia over 5000 metres for whom she has dual nationality, in last months Commonwealth Games.”Melkamu jumped at the opportunity to come and compete in Dublin and clearly is in great shape,” said Matthew Turnbull, the races elite athletes director.
Turnbull warned: “On paper given her current form she must start as favourite, but lets remember after her exertions in Fukuoka, she might be a little on the tired side after her efforts.”Melkamu just another of the gifted young, world class Ethiopian athletes emerging to dominate the world scene, finished fourth in last summers World Championships 5000m final.That outstanding performance over the distance came just 12 months after winning the World Junior gold medal over the distance in Grossetto.Turnbull said: “Its great to have her step into OSullivans shoes, but Sonia although not running, is coming along to start take part in the junior event with her 2 daughters.”Despite Melkamus outstanding talent, she will have to be wary of defending champion Amy Rudolph of the United States, who outsprinted OSullivan in a brilliant finish in last years race.”Therell be no respite for her,” Amy is good at stalking the leaders and pouncing in the home straight,” said Turnbull.Fernanda Ribeiro and Sally Barsosio, the former Olympic and World 10000m champions from Portugal and Kenya are also in the field, while Jolene Byrne third last year, will carry Irish hopes.

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