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Samuels defeats world champion in Germany
Sydney discus thrower Dani Samuels continued her undefeated year with a win over reigning world discus champion Franka Dietzsch at the Zeulenroda meet in Germany on Sunday.
This year she remains undefeated in six competitions including two wins over Beijing Olympic champion Stephanie Trafton and now her first ever defeat of the 2007 world champion Dietzsch of Germany.
In yesterday's competition, Samuels threw 62.25m to victory with Deitzsch second (60.26m) and Germany’s Nadine Muller third with a throw of 59.99m. Samuels’ series was 62.25, foul, foul, 60.04, 57.67 and foul.
Although just 21 and competing against top competition like Deitzsch, a three-time world champion who will compete in her 10th world championships next month, and the world no. 6 Muller, Samuels does not seem fazed.
“I felt pretty good. I really just focused on myself. I’d never previously competed against Nadine Muller. It was great practise for the world championships. I didn’t feel intimidated. I was loving it,” said Samuels.
Accompanying Samuels in Zeulenroda was her coach Denis Knowles who has guided her to wins at the 2005 world youth championships, 2006 world junior championships and the 2009 world university games held three weeks ago.
“Dani has now taken on the Olympic and world champion and knocked them off,” said Knowles.
Many athletes record good performances outside of big meets, but fail in major competitions.
“I’m very pleased with Dani’s consistency, in any competition, in any conditions. She has been recording her best throws in the first three rounds, which is what we are aiming for.
“She’ll go one better because of this consistency and is ready to pop out a 64 metre throw.”
And the big one?
“That will happen on August 21 (date of the world championship final).”
Samuels and her coach Denis Knowles now travel to the Czech Republic where on Wednesday she will compete in the Usti nad Labern meet.
Thanks to David Tarbotton
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