SOUTHAMPTON-BORN diver Tanya Watson has made Irish sporting history, becoming the country's first female diver to qualify for an Olympic Games.

Watson, 19, secured her spot at this summer's delayed Tokyo event by reaching the semi-finals of a World Cup 10m meeting.

Mainly based out of the Southampton Diving Academy, Watson spent time during the COVID-19 lockdown training in Dublin.

In quotes reported by BBC Sport, Watson said: "It has been a really emotional time for me and I just got it together at the right time.

"After this last year, from everything being postponed, and living away from home for so long, I am very grateful that I was able to qualify Ireland a spot for the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

"I am excited for what's to come this summer."

Watson is understood to qualify to represent Ireland through her Derry-born grandmother.