Gillian
O'Sullivan
New interview added Summer 2003
Gillian O'Sullivan wrote herself into history's pages in August
2000 when she became the first female Olympian from Kerry. Now one
of Ireland's most promising young athletes, Gillian has returned
from the 2003 World Championships with a silver medal for the 20KM
walking event. This makes Gillian the third Irish athlete to bring
back a medal from this event.
A
world class athlete, she was born in the Parish of Minish just a
few miles from Killarney town. It was the morning of Thursday September
28th as the smiling, joyful face of Gillian O'Sullivan filled our
T.V screens. She had just finished in 10th place in the 20km walk
in the Sydney Olympics and she was giving rightful expression to
the elation that all athletes feel when a goal has been achieved.
Her parents Pat and Alice were there to see her finish as she proudly
wore the Irish colours.
Gillian recently became the first Irish athlete to set a new world
record for nearly 90 years as she smashed another world race walking
record. Gillian's sporting life began as a young girl at the local
football field, and from these small beginnings came a young lady
whose greatest days are still ahead.
Gillian is also the world record holder for indoor and outdoor walking
distances. A magnificent achievement. The Olympic motto of "Litius,
Altius, Fortius" (swifter, higher and stronger) motivated this
exemplary young Killarney girl in her pursuit of perfection. We
hope that in the great city of Athens where Socrates and Plato sought
truth and wisdom, Gillian will reach her sporting acropolis.
Listen
to Gillian O'Sullivan 2003 (Full listening instructions available
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Recorded in her home of Minish, this interview sees Gillian O'Sullivan
fresh from her
fantastic performance in the 2003 World Athletics Championships
in Paris
.
Part 1 >> (Listen
now)____(Download)
Part 2 >> (Listen
now)____(Download)
Part 3 >> (Listen
now)____(Download)
Part 4 >> (Listen
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Listen
to Gillian O'Sullivan in 2001
Part 1 >> Gillian talks about
realizing her Olympic dreams. Her parents discuss her training and
previous achievements, Gillian herself discusses the sport.
(Listen now)____(Download)
Part 2 >> Weeshie talks about
Kerry' s Olympic history, Tom O Riordan & Gillian's trainer
ring in.
(Listen now)____(Download)
Part 3 >> The Sullivan family
discuss the Sydney Olympics, Gillian discusses her choice of career
and gives advise to young hopefuls
(Listen now)____(Download)
Terrace Talk Audio Interviews 
