Valerie Adams wins Athlete of the Year award [1]
Tuesday, November 25, 2014 - 16:42. Updated on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 - 09:36.
New Zealand-Tongan Shot Put athlete, Valerie Adams has been named the “The Athlete of the Year” by the International Association of Athletics Federations [2] (IAAF) last week on November 21 in Monte Carlo, Monaco.
The 30 year-old two times Olympic gold medallist was awarded a trophy by the IAAF. French Pole Vault Athlete, Renaud Lavillenie was also awarded the prize of Athlete of the Year alongside Valerie.
Valerie Adams stated in Monaco “I want to leave a legacy and an example for young people. If I can inspire one young person in New Zealand to change their life for the better, then great. I am from an area of high poverty, so I know it can be done.”
Since 2008, the 6’4 Valerie has dominated the female division of Shot Put and has become a female sporting icon of New Zealand. Valerie continues her form, winning a Gold Medal this year at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.