Leading with heart DAME VALERIE'S BIG CHALLENGE

Our Olympic golden girl's honest and open approach  to single parenting is winning her a new legion of fans

- Sophie Neville

After 20 years competing at the top, Dame Valerie Adams thought her retirement in 2022 might mean she’d finally have a chance to relax. But since calling time on her incredible shot-put career, the Olympic champion has been surprised to find she’s busier than ever. Motherhood, work and community involvement means the juggle is real for this Kiwi sporting great.

“In some ways, I had more time when I was training because nobody else could bother that space,” says mum-of-two Valerie, catching up with the Weekly. “Now it’s like, ‘Okay, I’ve got to make hay while the sun shines. I’ve got to work, I’ve got to look after my kids, do all the pickups and drop-offs, and the extracurricular activities and appointments.’ There’s a lot going on, sleep is scarce at the moment and life is definitely crazy at times. But life is great.”

Valerie, 38, is talking to us as part of her recent tour of schools and football clubs alongside AIA Tottenham Hotspur Global Football Development Coaches Shannon Moloney and Tegan Burling. The trio spent a week inspiring young people around New Zealand as part of an AIA campaign to encourage children to lead active lives. With the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, Valerie is loving the buzz and excitement surrounding women’s sport.

“We have to capitalise on this because I think it’s phenomenal. We’ve come such a long way, now it’s our job to continue that journey.”