OLYMPIAN, WORLD CHAMPION RUNNER AND IRISH SPORTING LEGEND

'Sonia walked to the start line with the other athletes, her tummy full of butterflies. She could feel the eyes of the crowd upon them. Sixty-five thousand people, all here to watch their race. She had dreamt about this moment for so long, and now it was here.'

As a little girl, playing with her friends in Cobh, Co. Cork, Sonia O'Sullivan was known as the fastest runner. When she joined a running club and started to win races, she began to dream of the Olympic Games. Through her talent, dedication and her ability to get back up and dust herself down when things went wrong. Sonia went from an ordinary girl who loved to run to an extraordinary world class athlete.

The story of one of Ireland's greatest ever athletes -- and a dream made real.

About the Author
Natasha Mac a'Bhaird is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of the bestselling wedding planning guide, The Irish Bride's Survival Guide, as well as The Irish Bridesmaid's Guide. Her first two children's books, Missing Ellen and Olanna's Big Day, were both chosen for the White Ravens Collection. Her other children's books include Reindeer Down, Hannah in the Spotlight and Starring Meg.

Reviews

excellent

* Irish Examiner *

what young readers will hopefully draw from Mac A'Bhaird's new children's biography of Sonia is inspiration. The everyday ordinariness of her early days and the importance of the sweetshops, friendships - and the occasional bag of greasy chips, make this a very human story of the power of determination, which may help light the spark the fires determined athletes of the future ... a welcome addition to the equally enlightening titles on Cora Staunton and Colm 'Gooch' Cooper in the O'Brien Press series of Great Irish Sports Stars

* Evening Echo *

the extraordinary story of Sonia O'Sullivan, one of Ireland's greatest athletes and an inspiration to young girls of all ages who are drawn to sports. From her childhood in Cobh, Co. Cork, where her talent for running began to shine at an early age, to her Olympic triumph, Sonia's courage, determination and dedication shine through in this wonderfully engaging book. Never give up and always, always try your best are the valuable messages written into the fabric of her success.

* Children's Books Ireland *

Full-length biography giving young readers an insight into the grit and determination that turned a sporty schoolgirl into an Olympic medallist

* The Holly Bough *

a great read for sport-loving girls

* Irish Examiner *

This book is a great read for anyone interested in learning about a strong Irish woman who never gave up on her goals

* Seomra Ranga *



Book Information
ISBN 9781788492072
Author Natasha Mac a'Bhaird
Format Paperback
Page Count 192
Imprint O'Brien Press Ltd
Publisher O'Brien Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 174g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 14mm