byLarry Eder
Valerie Adams, Queen of the Shot, photo by PhotoRun.net
MONACO (MON): World and Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams has admitted that 2014 has been her most challenging season, inform IAAF. A knee operation preceded the season, then she battled with elbow and shoulder injuries during the season before undergoing two operations in October. Through all this, she remained unbeaten, while she has come out of the other side with a drive and motivation that is even stronger than before. The 2016 Olympics remain her ultimate goal. She is training hard in preparation for her coach, Jean-Pierre Egger’s arrival in New Zealand on January 12. It is not clear when she would be able to start the season, it is expected in June.
Valerie Adams, NYC 2014, photo by PhotoRun.net
(Editor’s note: If you truly want a treat, watch all six throws of Valerie Adams in her next shot put competition. Watch her focus, her facial expressions, her comments to herself. Valerie is one of the most competitive athletes you will ever see.
Valerie is also one of the most fun athletes to interview. She is funny as can be, an amazing combination of hysterical comments and profane comments. One notes that Valerie is truly competitive, knows that there is a price to be paid for her level of competition, but also seems to relish it.
Valerie Adams, Stockholm 2012, photo by PhotoRun.net
I finally met her this past Summer, and told her that she has fans in North America. Check out her twitter conversations, which are some of my favorites.
Best wishes Valerie with your recovery from surgery! We can not wait to see you out there throwing once again! )
