JOIN US Seema Antil came up with her season’s best performance but even that couldn’t advance her to the final of the women’s discus throw at the 12th World Championships on Wednesday.
Seema’s compatriot Krishna Poonia also failed to cross the qualifying hurdle, and their elimination marked the end of India’s campaign here.
Seema almost took a tumble in hurling the discus to 59.85 metres in the first round before fouling her next two throws. She finished ninth in her group and 15th overall.
The automatic qualification mark was 61.50 metres, which was achieved by 10 throwers. Two others went through finishing in the top-12, with Aretha Thurmond of the United States taking the last qualifying spot at 61.08.
Seema, whose national record stands at 64.84 metres, had a best of 59.28 coming to Berlin. Though a bit disappointed, the 26-year-old said she wasn’t too displeased with her effort. “I have struggling with an allergy causing rashes all over my body. I am under medication for that,” said Seema, who is training under National coach Bahadur Singh now.
“I have improved steadily this season and I am happy with that. I hope to do better at the Asian Championships later this year,” said Seema before rushing off for the dope test.
Krishna, who had touched 60.78 metres earlier this month in England, fouled her first two throws and managed only 56.75 in the third to end up 14th in her group and 28th among 39 competitors.
German veteran Franka Dietzsch, the defending champion, was among those failing to qualify. Dietzsch finished 23rd in the qualifying stage.