Golden moments WINNING A PLACE IN OUR HEARTS

Victory was sweet for the Kiwis who put everything on the line

Dame Valerie Adams

Two special little people were foremost in Dame Valerie Adams’ thoughts when she stepped up to make the shot put throw that would earn her a bronze medal. The star athlete imagined her daughter Kimoana, three, and son Kepaleli, two, watching her from the stands, and says it was “awesome to draw that energy from that feeling I had”.

During a media conference after winning her fourth Olympic medal – she already has two golds and a silver – Val wore a photo of her gorgeous pre-schoolers on a lanyard because she wanted them to be part of the experience.

“These two children are my ‘why’ and I hope I made them proud,” said an emotional Val, 36. She says her jubilant response to making it on the podium was due to reflecting on how much work it had taken to be at Tokyo, including spending a lot of time away from her children and husband Gabriel Price while training in Christchurch.

“This means so much more than winning my gold medals!”

Emma Twigg

Veteran rower Emma Twigg is a prime example of how sheer perseverance can pay off. After competing at four Olympics, and coming fourth at London and Rio, she emphatically won her single sculls final at Tokyo to bring home gold.

Emma, 34, retired from rowing after the disappointment of missing out on a medal by just .3 of a second at Rio de Janeiro, but after two years away from the sport, was inspired to return by her wife Charlotte. “My beautiful Char, she’s changed my philosophy on life,” said Emma after her moment of glory. “I’m a very lucky girl.”