Antil needs just one throw to qualify

New Delhi: Indian discus thrower Seema Antil qualified for the 2012 London Olympics with a throw of 62.60 metres at the University of California (Irvine) Open Championships.

Antil achieved the mark in her first and only attempt. She has been training in California for six months with coach Tony Ciarelli.

"I am feeling very good, I feel I could have thrown the discus over 64 metres today but coach would like me to save those throws for the Olympic Games." Antil said in a statement. "I am now looking to keep improving and achieve my target of a medal at the Olympics."

Grateful

Antil, who is supported by Mittal Champions Trust, also thanked her sponsors.

"I am thankful to the Mittal Champions Trust for having faith in me and giving me the opportunity to train with the best coach in the world. It is because of them I have managed to hit a distance of 62 metres after seven years," she said.

Ciarelli was also happy with Antil's performance.

"I am happy that this [qualification] is over with and we can go into the next phase of our training programme," he said.