After 11 years of success together, New Zealand's world and Olympic champion shot putter Valerie Vili has split with her long-time coach Kirsten Hellier.
Vili made the announcement at an emotional press conference in Auckland on Sunday afternoon.
Wiping away tears, Vili said it was "like a divorce", but it was a mutual decision she and Hellier made last week and they'll remain friends.
Vili said that losing her crown at the world indoors in Doha earlier in March played no part in the split, which has been building for a while.
Vili said it is amazing what they have achieved together but she has more to achieve and that is why they reached the decision mutually.
She says she has no idea who her new coach will be.
Vili is now taking a week off, leaving the decision over her new coach to management.
