Dame Valerie Adams Retires
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One of New Zealand’s most successful and celebrated sportspersons, Tongi Tupe Oe Taua Dame Valerie Adams announced her retirement in March 2022.
A powerhouse from the start of her career at aged 14, Adams has secured a dizzying amount of awards including: two Olympic gold medals, a silver and a bronze; Three Commonwealth Golds, eight world title wins and so many more.
Adams comes from a well-know sporting family that includes NBA player Steven Adams and younger sister Lisa Adams who recently won gold at the Paralympics (with Valerie as her coach).
This trailblazing sportwoman, whose family hails from Houma in Tonga, encourages other young Pasifika to try their hand at shot-put.
“To all those who dare lift the shot, I’m looking at you, girl. Do so with my blessing as it has been given to me, I give also to you. Strength and courage. There is the dream, good and true. Take it.”
"To all those who dare lift the shot, I'm looking at you, girl. Do so with my blessing as it has been given to me, I give also to you. Strength and courage. There is the dream, good and true. Take it."
We wish Dame Valerie, and her family, all the best for her next endeavours.