O'Sullivan claimed an Olympic 5000m silver medal in 2000

Sonia O'Sullivan has been named Australia's team coach for the World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh on 30 March.

O'Sullivan, who scored a long and short course double for Ireland in 1998, has had dual Australian and Irish nationality since 2006.

"I hope that my experiences in the past will inspire the team to run at a high level," said the Cork woman.

"The World Cross Country always has a special place in my heart."

She added: "Most of the girls on the team I have trained with while in Australia.

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"We hope that this familiarity and experience I have will lead to a good team spirit that is required for a good team performance in Edinburgh."

Athletics Australia are sending a 22-strong team to Edinburgh and are hopeful that O'Sullivan's guidance will speed up the development of their youngsters.

"Having Sonia as team coach will be a great opportunity for the development of our junior athletes," said Australia team manager Tim O'Shaughnessy.

O'Sullivan has homes in London and Melbourne.