BRAY'S KATIE Taylor is an exceptional boxer and sportsperson and no mistake.

Her trophy-laden sideboard is a tribute to her prowess and success as a boxer which has seen her reach the top of they world in recent years.

We had further proof of her outstanding achievements as a world class boxer at the weekend when she was named as The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council sportswoman of the year for 2008.

The fact that Katie Taylor was successfully defending the sportswoman of the year award that she first won in 2007 was further testament, if such was needed, that she is an exceptional boxer who produces equally exceptional performances.

Defending titles is something that Katie is making a habit of these days. In 2008 she also successfully retained her women's world boxing title in Beijing and at this stage the only silverware that appears to be missing from her trophy laden sideboard is a coveted Olympic medal.

The beautiful 22-year-old Bray girl is hoping that she will be able to rectify that omission in London in 2012, confidently expecting the Olympic Body to decide later this year to include women's boxing as an Olympic sport for the first time.

When she went to China to defend her world boxing title, Katie was also chosen as boxer of the tournament and in December she was voted the best amateur women's boxer in the world.

Receiving her latest award at the weekend, Katie Taylor said 'it's always great to be recognised at the end of a hard year. Women athletes can be overlooked sometimes and so it is a huge honour to win.'

Also a talent soccer player, Katie hopes to showcase her dual talents much more in 2009. But all the time she will have her eye on the International Olympic Council who according to some sources could make a decision on including women's boxing as an Olympic sport as early as March.

'All the signs are good and hopefully they will make the right decision,' says an expectant Katie Taylor who is now living her childhood dream of being a world class athlete.

- Mark KENNEDY