Two-time Olympic shot put champion Dame Valerie Adams has announced her retirement after a 22-year career in the sport.

Adams, 37, says she is officially “hanging up these size 14 throwing shoes”.She broke down as she explained she had contemplated about her journey after winning bronze in Tokyo Olympics.

“I took some time to really process this thought and to see if this was something I actually wanted to do again. My heart, mind and body simply answered the question for me, so it is time for me to call it a day.”

“Representing Aotearoa for the last 22 years has given me so much joy. As my life’s work, I’m humbled to show little New Zealand has what it takes to be the best in the world.”

She says while today marks the end of her shotput career, athletics will always be a part of her life. “I have given my heart and soul to this sport, loved and nurtured it from a young age, watched it grow as a girl to now a woman, fully grown. It is beautiful and exciting, at times hard and unforgiving, but always honest, ever-inquiring. To all those who dare lift the shot, I’m looking at you girl.

“Do so with my blessing, as it has been given to me, I also give to you strength and courage, there is the dream good and true, take it.”

She says she looks forward to spending time with her family and continuing to coach her sister, Lisa, in her journey to the next Paralympics.

“You’ll also see me in the cinema one day, but you’ll have to stay tuned for that one.”

She thanked her family, coaches, sponsors, High Performance Sport NZ, Athletics NZ, NZ Olympic committee, global athletics community, and the New Zealand public.