Saturday, March 9, 2013

Samuels hits discus form in Sydney Classic - Brisbane Times


AAP


Former world discus champion Dani Samuels produced her best series of throws since 2010 as she registered five world championship A qualifying standards at the Sydney Track Classic on Saturday.


Samuels, the 2009 world champion, who finished 12th at the London Olympics, threw 62.19m, 64.06, 64.46, 63.65, 60.74 and 63.50 and was thrilled by the implications for her 2013 season.


"2011 wasn't very good, I came away with an okay season's best in 2012 - 63.97," Samuels said.


"But to have a a series like that and go over 64, it hasn't been since 2010.


"I really enjoyed it tonight, it was great conditions, the wind was favourable.


"I want to win a medal at the world championships, that's always a goal, and it gives me great confidence leading into Europe."


London Olympics sprinter Melissa Breen also set a world championship A qualifying standard, clipping two-hundredths of a second off her personal best time in winning the women's 100 metres in 11.25s.


"To see that time, it's just incredible," said a delighted Breen.


After recording 17 B-Qualifying times for last year's Olympics, Breen was delighted to get an A standard so early in the season, particularly as she didn't have injured Olympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson to push her.


"Obviously not to go through what I did last year was the plan," Breen said.


"Training has been unreal since the Olympics. I haven't missed a session in seven months.


"I honestly couldn't ask for a better prep and without Sally I had an expectation that I should be running quick."


Sydney's Tim Leathart (10.24s) produced the first upset of the night, shading dual Olympian Josh Ross (10.25) and American Calesio Newman (10.29) in the men's 100m.


Overseas winners included the Netherlands' Susan Kuijken (women's 5000m, 15m43.20s), New Zealander Elizabeth Lamb in the women's high jump (1.84m) and fellow Kiwi Michael Cochrane (men's 400m hurdles, 50.07).



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