Sonia O'Sullivan might well be interested in the life of four-times Olympic gold medallist and pioneer of women's sport, Fanny Blankers-Koen. Many people are wondering how the Irish double world cross country champion will respond to training and racing after she gives birth to her first child in July.

Blankers-Koen was faced with the same dilemma after the birth of her second child, Fanneke, in the run up to the 1948 Olympic Games in London, but felt that she desperately wanted to race.

According to the Sunday Times the mother went to her doctor and asked about going back to athletics. "What will happen to my milk supply if I train and race?" asked the Dutchwoman. "You won't know until you try," replied the doctor.

When she went back to training her milk supply actually increased.

"I would bring my girl in a basket to the changing room and feed her between races," said the runner.