DEIRDRE RYAN AND Alistair Cragg have made it a good day for the Irish in Daegu.
Ryan (DSD AC) produced the best performance of her career to seal a final spot with a clearance of 1.95m in the women’s high jump qualification round.
Setting a new Irish record in the process, the Dundrum athlete also achieved the A qualification standard for next summer’s London Olympics.
Ryan had first-time clearances at 1.80m, 1.85m and 1.89m before clearing 1.92m on her third attempt. She then went on to clear 1.95m on her second attempt.
Afterwards, Ryan told track-side reporters that she wouldn’t ‘get ahead of herself’ when asked about the prospect of a medal.
“We’ll wait and see. We’ll just take it step by step, good a good warm-up done and recover from today – we’ll see. But I’m positive.”
Earlier, Cragg secured his place in a world championships final. He’s through to the 5000m decider. The Clonliffe AC athlete finished fifth in heat two in 13:39.36 – putting him 12th of 16 qualifiers.
The final takes place on Sunday at 11.40am (Irish).
- Next in action for the Irish is Ciaran O’Lionaird (Leevale AC) in the semi-final of the men’s 1500m at 11.55am.
