'Happy and at peace': Dame Valerie Adams ready for retirement

Time to hang up the size 14 throwing shoes.

Two-time Olympic shot put champion Dame Valerie Adams has announced her retirement after a 22-year career in the sport. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

One of the great New Zealand sports careers officially came to an end on Tuesday, with champion shot putter Dame Valerie Adams confirming her retirement in Auckland.

Adams spent more than two decades at the top of her sport.

So while stepping away from that wasn't easy, the 37-year-old mother of two said her heart, mind and soul answered the question for her.

"Representing Aotearoa for the last 22 years has given me so much joy.

"As my life's work, I'm humbled to show little New Zealand has what it takes to be the best in the world."

The resume was long and impressive.

Bursting on the scene when winning the world youth title as a 16-year-old in 2001, Adams went on to collect two Olympic gold medals, four world titles and three Commonwealth Games crowns.

From 2006 to 2015, she won a staggering 107 successive shot put competitions.

Photo: Steve McArthur/Photosport Ltd 2021

Despite having done it all, Adams said retiring wasn't a straightforward decision.

"It's been an incredible journey [and] I'm just very grateful that this is happening.

"To be honest, I was probably dreading it for a long time. I was very anxious and nervous but I feel very relieved and happy that it's finally done."

Among all the achievements, Adams singled out her first Olympic gold, from the 2008 Beijing Games, and her 2011 world title.

That day in South Korea she threw her personal best of 21.24 metres.

But the bronze medal she took home from last year's Tokyo Olympics would also always hold a special place in her heart.

"It really was a magical moment. It felt more amazing than winning a gold medal ... because of the work it took to get there.

"How difficult it was to be away, having two kids [at home]. There were so many factors.

"It was amazing and emotional moment that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

And just one of many memorable moments in a career defined by a fierce competitive drive.

Two-time Olympic shot put champion Dame Valerie Adams has announced her retirement after a 22-year career in the sport. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi

Moments which would be chronicled in a movie set to be released as early as the end of this year.

"Hopefully people will see me as more than just a person who throws a steel ball around.

"I've been quite vulnerable and open about my life challenges along the way. Different parts of my life from IVF to diabetes, hospice and losing parents.

"This is just a way to sum everything up for people."

As for what was next, Adams would continue coaching younger sister and Tokyo Paralympic shot put champ Lisa towards the 2024 Games in Paris.

Off the track, she still held important roles as deputy chair of the World Athletics athletes commission, as well as chair of the Oceania and Athletics New Zealand athletes commissions.

And, of course, her most important role of all - as a mother to four-year-old daughter Kimoana and two-year-old son Kepaleli.

"I just hope one day they look back and see, I'm sure there plenty of people will tell them what mum has done, and for them to be proud of me.

"All of this, and the journey I've taken on since having them, is all for them."

Just as she was as an athlete, Dame Valerie Adams is fully committed to being the best in whatever her post-competitive career life brings.