Deirdre Ryan wins Sportswoman of the Month Award after an epic summer

29 year old high jumper Deirdre Ryan has been named The Irish Times / Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Month' for the month of August. The Dubliner has had a memorable summer so far, finishing sixth at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea reaching the final by breaking her own national record and securing the London Olympic A- qualification standard of 1.95 metres, securing her a place in next summer's games.

Considering she tore ligaments in both ankles in the past year having already struggled with injury problems, it's been a remarkable summer for the high jumper.

By achieving the A-standard for 2012 Ryan secured herself "world class" status in the Irish Sports Council's grant system which is worth €20,000 over the next two seasons. She is now considering going full time in the build up to London, having combined work with her sport until now.