OLYMPIC runner Sonia O'Sullivan has had the ultimate honour bestowed on her in her native Cobh – as a statue of her was unveiled at the weekend.
The world champion and Olympic silver medallist was on hand for the big reveal as crowds gathered in the Co. Cork town for the ceremony.
The 45-year-old told The Irish Examiner that she was “overwhelmed” with the gesture.
Despite the pouring rain on Sunday afternoon, locals in Cobh turned out in their droves to see the statue of their local hero.
In an effort to boost tourism in the coastal town, Cobh Tourism raised an estimated €30,000 for the specially commissioned James McLaughlin sculpture.
But despite the warm welcome for the artwork in Cobh, some Twitter users were not impressed.
That Sonia statue is really good, really looks like her, great addition to the town ..... SAID NO ONE EVER SPIT AT IT
— Eoghan O' Flynn (@Eoghan985) September 20, 2015
Can I say something good or bad about the Sonia O'Sullivan over tangoed and badly chiselled statue? — Dulach Glynn (@DulachG) September 20, 2015
That Sonia O Sullivan statue is terrifying
— Ru†h from the blough (@iamruthwilkins) September 21, 2015
The new Sonia O'Sullivan statue looks like Bicentennial Man with abs. Why do so few statues ever look like the people they're based upon? — Paul Berney (@Paul_Berney) September 21, 2015
There's a lot to think about with this new statue of Sonia but I'll start with with her high heeled runners pic.twitter.com/UG6nT6Oi0L
— Jennifer Stevens (@JenStevensDub) September 20, 2015
