New Zealand's golden girl is now a Dame - and she says she feels like a child in a candy shop. With the announcement of the New Year's Honours list, Shotputter Dame Valerie Adams can now share her top secret honour with the country which has cheered her long and stellar career.
Val Adams in action at the Rio Olympics. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Her impressive medal tally includes, two Olympic and three Commonwealth golds, four World Championship gold medals and a silver at the 2016 Rio de Jeneiro Olympic Games.
Between 2010 and 2014 her unprecedented winning streak spanned 56 competitions.
Dame Valerie has received the Halberg Supreme Award three times and took out the Halberg Sportswoman of the Year for seven consecutive years from 2006..
She says few women athletes have become Dames and she hopes this honour will help change that.
Shotput star Valerie Adams Photo: PHOTOSPORT
