Australian Dani Samuels has progressed through to discus final despite torrential conditions

DANI Samuels has defied a torrential downpour and the pressure of delivering on her final throw to make the Olympic discus final.

The conditions were less than ideal for Dani Samuels. Photo: AP Photo/Matt Dunham

DANI Samuels has defied a torrential downpour and the pressure of delivering on her final throw to make the Olympic discus final.

The qualifying competition had to be suspended for 30 minutes after the first round as rain pelted down inside the Olympic Stadium.

Samuels had fouled her first throw — as did nine others — with the competitors struggling in the slippery conditions.

She got on the board with her second throw of 59.42m but it was still shy of the automatic qualifying mark of 62m.

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Discus are covered as rain falls. Photo: AP Photo/Matt Dunham

After watching reigning Olympic champion Sandra Perkovic recover from two fouls to nail her third and final attempt, Samuels stepped into the ring and did the same.

The 2009 world champion flung both hands into the air in celebration as she watched the discus soar to 64.46m.

Samuels, who finished 11th in London four years ago, is confident she can be a factor in tomorrow’s final after a perfect preparation.

Canberra’s Lauren Wells has progressed through to the 400m hurdles semi-finals as one of the fastest qualifiers.

The nine-time national champion had an anxious wait after being pipped on the line in her heat, finishing fourth in 56.26 sec.

Only the top three placegetters are automatic but Wells got a gig as one of the next six fastest.

Originally published as Australian Dani Samuels has progressed through to discus final despite torrential conditions