Like mother, like daughter: Sophie O'Sullivan makes history as Sonia beams with pride
The 23-year-old University of Washington star clinched her first NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championship title, crossing the finish line in a superb 4:07.94, a career-best achievement on one of the biggest stages in collegiate athletics.
With the win, Sophie becomes only the fifth Irishwoman to ever claim an NCAA title, joining an elite list that includes her own mother, Sonia, who won NCAA gold in both 1990 and 1991. Irish athletics legend Sonia O'Sullivan. Pic: Inpho/Patrick Bolger
The historic group also features Rhasidat Adeleke (400m and relays, 2022–2023), Mary Cullen (5000m, 2006), and Valerie McGovern (5000m, 1989 and 1990).
Already a standout athlete in her own right, Sophie's NCAA victory marks a defining moment in her career – and echoes the legacy of her mother, the 2000 Olympic silver medallist. View this post on Instagram
A post shared by FloTrack (@flotrack)
Following the race, Sophie gave an interview with FloTrack, clearly riding high from the win: 'Pretty f*ing happy!'** she laughed when asked how she felt.
'I kind of really thought someone was going to close on me there, so I was probably a bit scared and just ran as far as I could. Then I looked around, and I was like, actually, that's not too bad.' Irish athletics legend Sonia O'Sullivan had a front-row seat to witness a moment of history as her daughter, Sophie O'Sullivan, powered her way to victory in the NCAA 1500m final in Oregon. Pic: Instagram
She added: 'I just wanted to give my best, and I think that's what mattered most to me, even if I hadn't won. But I wanted to win… maybe more than anyone else.'
Athletics fans were quick to notice the striking resemblance between Sophie's late-race finishing kick and Sonia's signature surge — a similarity that has become a talking point among enthusiasts on social media.
That kick! 🔥
Sophie O'Sullivan running away from the field to win the Women's 1500m at the NCAA Division 1 Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Eugene 🤩🎥#IrishAthleticspic.twitter.com/OG5AS1uDC7
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