Valerie Adams, famously known as “New Zealand’s Golden Girl,” is a highly accomplished shot putter from New Zealand. With an impressive track record, she has won four World championships, two Olympic Gold medals, and three Commonwealth championships. From a young age, Valerie showed great potential in sports and with the guidance of her Physical Education teacher, she began breaking records at a regional level. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she won her first major title at the World Youth Championships in 2001. Since then, Valerie has continued to excel, earning numerous gold and silver medals. Her remarkable achievements have made her a source of pride for her country, and in 2014, she became the first Kiwi to be named the World Athlete of the Year.
Quick Facts
- Also Known As: Valerie Kasanita Adams
- Age: 39 Years, 39 Year Old Females
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Bertrand Vili
- Father: Sid Adams
- Mother: Lilika Ngauamo
- Siblings: Steven Adams, Warren Adams
- Athletes
- New Zealand Women
- Height: 6’4″ (193 cm)
- Ancestry: Tongan New Zealander, English New Zealander
- City: Rotorua, New Zealand
Childhood & Early Life
Valerie Adams was born on 6 October 1984 in Rotorua, New Zealand. Her mother, Lillika Ngauamo, is Tongan, and her father, Sydney Adams, is English. Valerie’s father settled in New Zealand after serving in the Royal Navy and had a total of 18 children with five different women. Three of Valerie’s brothers, including NBA basketball player Steven Adams, also became professional sportsmen. Valerie was tall with strong arms and showed promise in sports during her school years. One of her Physical Education teachers recognized her potential and encouraged her sporting interests.
Tragedy and Inspiration
In 1998, Valerie met former javelin thrower Kirsten Hellier, who agreed to coach her. However, tragedy struck when Valerie’s mother became ill with cancer. Valerie left school for three months to live with her mother in a hospice as she battled the disease. In the year 2000, Valerie and her mother watched the Sydney Olympic Games, which deeply inspired Valerie to become a successful athlete. Sadly, Valerie’s mother passed away shortly after.
Career
Valerie became active on the sporting circuit and achieved her first major win in 2001 when she won the World Youth Championships with a throw of 16.87 m. Within a year, she solidified her reputation as a rising star by becoming the World Junior champion with a throw of 17.73 m. She participated in the 2002 Commonwealth Games, winning the silver medal with a throw of 17.45 m. Valerie also competed in the 2003 World Championships, finishing fifth at the age of 18. Despite having an appendectomy just weeks before the 2004 Olympics, Valerie still participated and finished seventh.
In 2005, Valerie finished second at the World Athletics Final, but was later promoted to gold after the original winner, Nadzeya Ostapchuk, tested positive for drugs. Valerie had a remarkable year in 2006, breaking a 20-year-old Commonwealth Games record with a throw of 19.66 m and winning the gold medal. She won her first World Indoor Title in 2008 and her first Olympic gold medal in 2008 with a personal best throw of 20.56 m. Valerie continued to achieve success, winning the World Championship in Athletics in 2009 and the silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, which was later upgraded to gold after Ostapchuk’s disqualification.
Continued Success
Valerie won her fourth gold medal at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, surpassing Astrid Kumbernuss for the most gold medals by a female shot putter. In 2014, she won the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games and also had the honor of being New Zealand’s flag-bearer.
Awards & Achievements
Valerie Adams was named New Zealand’s Sportswoman of the Year for seven consecutive years, from 2006 to 2012. She received the Halberg Supreme Award in 2007, 2008, and 2009 in recognition of her remarkable sporting achievements. The ‘Track & Field News’ magazine named her the Women’s Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 2012 and 2013.
Personal Life & Legacy
In 2004, Valerie married Bertrand Vili, a discus thrower from New Caledonia. However, their marriage faced difficulties and they divorced in 2010.