BLACKBURN Harriers athlete Holly Bleasdale put aside a major case of big-stage nerves to book herself a place in tonight’s Olympic pole vault final.

British record holder Bleasdale nervously failed at 4.40m on Saturday morning but cleared her second attempt, then sailed over 4.50m.

She stuttered again in her first bid to get over 4.55m but took the height out at her second attempt to secure her slot in the final, which starts at 7pm tonight.

At last year’s World Champion-ships in Daegu, Bleasdale failed to register a height, a tearful experience she claimed had strengthened her resolve ahead of London 2012.

“I felt really good but I was very nervous, I never felt something like that in my entire life, but the crowd lifted me,” Bleasdale said.

“I wanted to take it easy but it turned out to be a hard competition, there was a bit of rain and it was also quite windy but I managed to cope well with that.

“I feel amazing. I’m happy just to be in the final but I’m full of confidence and it can only get better.”

Defending champion Yelena Isinbayeva looked strong in qualifying, comfortably clearing 4.50m and 4.55m in her only two jumps.

But former world champion Anna Rogowska was more ragged and Bleasdale will consider herself right in the medal mix.

However, there was disappointment for British number two Kate Dennison, who appeared to injury her wrist and crashed out at a height that was well within her range.

"I know there is much more left to come so I am just going to relax now," said Bleasdale.

"I won't do too much before the final, I just want to maintain my form and confidence.

"I was happy with how I coped with the weather and others didn't do so well, so maybe I should do a little rain dance for the final.

"I've seen a stadium packed for qualifying before and it was amazing to think there were all cheering for me.

"Pole vault is an event that really gets the crowd going and they were amazing and it will probably be even louder in the final.

"It really give you a lift to know they are all supporting you and cheering your name."