Sport Today

SYDNEY, 14 May 2015 – Former world discus champion Dani Samuels commences her international season this weekend at the opening leg of the event billed as the annual homage to athletics - the IAAF Diamond League from Doha.

Samuels comes into the first event of the international season in brilliant form, after a successful Australian domestic season that saw the 26-year old claim yet another Australian title and a tremendous Diamond League season last year, in which she finished on the podium in each of the five events she contested. Samuels aims to continue that success in the lead up to this year’s World Championships in Beijing, telling Eurosport that the competition is the perfect preparation.

“The Diamond League provides ideal preparation leading into the World Championships, every event is almost like an Olympic final, the competition is that strong,” Samuels said. “It helps provide an environment in which I can perform at the highest level under pressure, and the opportunity to compete against the best throwers in the world.”

Samuels also touched on how important the IAAF Diamond League had been in helping to grow the profile of the sport in Australia, as well as the role Eurosport’s LIVE coverage has had in providing viewers with the opportunity to watch every round.

“The Diamond League has been great for helping bring attention to the sport in Australia, and Eurosport’s coverage is a big part of that, I have people stopping me on the street saying they had seen me throw,” Samuels said. “It also provides my family and friends with the opportunity to watch me compete throughout the year which is great.”

Joining Samuels in Doha will be a number of Aussies including Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson, who will set out to show she is still the most feared hurdler on the planet in the women’s 100m hurdles, while Tasmanian, Hamish Peacock will contest the men’s javelin and Sydney girl, Madeline Heiner the women’s 3000m steeplechase.

Australian athletics fans can watch all 14 rounds of the 2015 IAAF Diamond League season LIVE on Eurosport.