Valerie Vili of New Zealand celebrates winning the gold medal in the women's Shot Put Final (© Getty Images)
In her latest IAAF Online Diary, World and Olympic Shot Put champion Valerie Adams takes a quick break from competition and training to reflect on her successful title defence in Berlin.
Hi everyone,
"I had a terrific time at the World Championships in Berlin! It was so amazing to defend the title that I won in Osaka two years ago. This is the first time I have been in the position of being the defending champion so that was a new experience. I went to Berlin to do my best and win the gold medal and I was fortunate enough to achieve my goal.
"I had a pretty good throw of 19.70m to qualify, and then I came back in the evening for the final looking to get a big throw in early. I threw 19.40 to start with, Nadine from Germany threw a PB in front of a home crown but I came back with throw of 20.25m to take the lead in the 3rd round then secured it further on my fifth throw with 20.44m.
"It was great to be able to relax after this and spend some time watching my husband compete in the Discus, and watch the other New Zealanders in action but then it was straight back to training 3 days later.
"I've just competed in a couple of meets in Germany with good results (20.45m in Thum, 20.41 in Bad Kostritz) and am now looking forward to finishing my season with the World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki in two weeks time.
"Thanks to all my supporters, my coach, my family, and my training partners.
Until next time,
Val
Hi everyone,
"I had a terrific time at the World Championships in Berlin! It was so amazing to defend the title that I won in Osaka two years ago. This is the first time I have been in the position of being the defending champion so that was a new experience. I went to Berlin to do my best and win the gold medal and I was fortunate enough to achieve my goal.
"I had a pretty good throw of 19.70m to qualify, and then I came back in the evening for the final looking to get a big throw in early. I threw 19.40 to start with, Nadine from Germany threw a PB in front of a home crown but I came back with throw of 20.25m to take the lead in the 3rd round then secured it further on my fifth throw with 20.44m.
"It was great to be able to relax after this and spend some time watching my husband compete in the Discus, and watch the other New Zealanders in action but then it was straight back to training 3 days later.
"I've just competed in a couple of meets in Germany with good results (20.45m in Thum, 20.41 in Bad Kostritz) and am now looking forward to finishing my season with the World Athletics Final in Thessaloniki in two weeks time.
"Thanks to all my supporters, my coach, my family, and my training partners.
Until next time,
Val
