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It’s been a long and rewarding career for one of New Zealand’s most decorated athletes, but Dame Valerie Adams believes it’s time to retire.
In an emotional statement the 37-year-old addressed the media earlier today saying she was officially, “hanging up these size 14 throwing shoes.”
Adams said she contemplated another campaign after winning the bronze medal in Tokyo.
“I took some time to process this thought and see if it was actually something I wanted to do again,” she shared.
“My mind and body simply answered the question for me, so it is time for me to call it a day.”
Beginning her athletics career as a young teen, Adams went on to dominate the sport of women’s shot put internationally.
She won every major international competition she participated in from 2006 to 2014 – nine years of back to back wins.
Adams competed in five Olympics, winning two golds, one silver and a bronze medal.
The IAAF awarded Adams the World Athlete of the Year in 2014, she’s been named New Zealand sportswoman of the year seven times and won the Supreme Halberg award three times.
But her biggest achievement, she claims, is having her children see their mum in the field.
“One day when my children Kimoana and Kepaleli understand what their mum does I hope they will be just as proud of this significant moment too,” she says.
“I hope to continue to inspire female athletes all around the world that if you want to have a kid and you want to come back and be at the top of the world, you can. You can absolutely do that and today’s a testament to that.”
Watch the full press conference here.
