Shot put: Adams qualifies for final with ease

6.20pm

New Zealand shot putter Valerie Adams has taken one throw to become the first track and field athlete to qualify for a 2004 Olympic Games final.

Throwing at the home of the ancient Olympics, in historic Olympia, Adams hit a throw of 18.71m first up.

That was further than the 1.93m tall 19-year-old threw when fifth at the world championships in France last year.

Satisfaction crossed her face when she saw the put land beyond the blue line marking 18.50m, automatically qualifying her for the final.

Adams reached for her black New Zealand tracksuit, her work for the morning done.

Adams showed no signs of Olympic nerves as she stepped into the throwing circle.

A group of New Zealand supporters, nestled on the grassy banks of the historic stadium, yelled "go Val", as she stepped forward.

Her qualifying throw was just short of her New Zealand record, 18.96m.

The final is due to be held at 1.00am tomorrow morning NZ time.

- NZPA