Four-time World Champion, four-time World Indoor Champion, two-time Olympic, three-time Commonwealth Games champion and twice IAAF Continental Cup winner Dame Valerie Adams has retired.
Her personal best throws of 21.24 metres outdoors and 20.54 m indoors are still Oceanian, Commonwealth and New Zealand records.
She also holds the Oceanian junior record (18.93 m) and the Oceanian youth record (17.54 m), as well as the World Championships record, World Indoor Champion, and Commonwealth Games record.
Here is the legendary Valerie Adams farewell post to New Zealand and the world.
Mālo e lelei. Today I share with you all that I am officially hanging up these size 14 throwing shoes👟
After winning my Bronze Medal in Tokyo, I contemplated whether to embark on another campaign. I took some time to really process this thought and to see if it was something I actually wanted to do… AGAIN 👀😂
My heart, mind and body simply answered that question for me. So, it is time to call it a day.⏱
Representing Aotearoa for the last 22 years has given me so much joy. As my life’s work, I am humbled to show that little New Zealand has what it takes to be the best in the world.🇳🇿🌿
Whilst today marks the end of my shotput career, Athletics will always be a part of my life. I have given my heart and soul to this sport. Loved and nurtured it from a young age. Watched it grow as a girl, to now, as a woman, fully grown. It is beautiful, and exciting. At times, hard and unforgiving, but always honest. Ever inquiring. To all those who dare lift the shot (I’m lookin’ at you girl), do so with my blessing. As has been given to me, I give also to you. Strength and courage. There is the dream – good and true – take it! 🙏💕
My mind is happy as I look forward to spending more time with my beautiful family. I’ll continue to coach my sister Lisa in her journey to the next Paralympics, as well as working in my community and with my incredible sponsors. You’ll also be able to see me in the cinema one day but you’ll have to stay tuned for more on that! 👨👩👧👦🥰
There are too many people to thank who have been on my journey – from my family and friends who have supported and guided me through my career to my support teams at Athletics NZ, the coaches I have had the pleasure of working with, High Performance Sport NZ, NZ Olympic Committee, all those on board Team Adams, my sponsors, the athletics community around the world and most importantly the New Zealand public. 🇳🇿🌿
I do have a few special mentions… firstly, thank you Kirsten, you took a chance on me at 14, guided my talent in those early days and believed in me. To Lou, thank you for being there since day one – you are more than a physio to me but a friend and confidante. And Jean Pierre, it was a blessing to work with you, you truly are an exceptional man and still to this day the best glide coach there is. I see you as a father figure and appreciate the guidance and honesty. 🥰
And, last but not least to my darling husband Gabriel, Kimoana, Kepaleli and Mum – thank you for allowing me to fulfil my dreams and for being my biggest drive and inspiration. Love you ❤️
