Ryan and Cragg march on in Daegu

Deirdre Ryan has qualified for the final of the women’s high jump at the world championships while Alistair Cragg is through to the 5,000m decider.

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.

Ryan and Cragg march on in Daegu

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