McCorkell makes Winter Olympics

McCorkell finished 20th in the 2009 World Championships

Coleraine's Jenna McCorkell has become the first skater from Northern Ireland to qualify for the Winter Olympics.

McCorkell, who needed to be in the top 24 at the World Championships in Los Angeles to qualify, finished 20th with Korea's Yu-Na Kim taking the title.

The Winter Olympics take place in Vancouver in February 2010.

McCorkell made sure of her place with a fine performance in Saturday's free programme at the Staples Centre arena which moved her up one place from 21st.

The 22-year-old's world ranking has now improved by five places since 2008.

She had finished ninth in the European Championships after being as high as fourth after the short programme.