Athletics New Zealand – News – Valerie Adams wins in Zurich and collects Diamond League trophy

Olympic and three-time World champion Valerie Adams won the final shot put competition in the IAAF Diamond League series. Competing at a temporarily constructed indoor arena located in the main station in Weltklasse Zurich, in front of a large enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed the exciting atmosphere and the energetic beat of pop and rock music.

Adams capped her perfect season with another solid win with 20.51m and lifted the Diamond Trophy with 24 points having won five of the five competitions (Oslo, Paris, Stockolm, London and Zurich). Adams, World champion last week in Daegu with an impressive national record of 21.24m, opened with 19.87m and then produced five releases over the 20 metres barrier (20.09m 20.33m 20.32m 20.51m 20.35m). Adams, who was last defeated by Nadezhda Ostapchuk from Belarus in 2010 in Zürich, increased her unbeaten streak to 14 wins in a row.

Last year’s European champion and 2010 Diamond Race winner Nadezhda Ostapchuk came very close with 20.48m in the fifth attempt in her only release over 20 metres. US Jillian Camarena Williams finished third with 19.64m.

“I enjoyed competing in the railway station. There were many supporters from New Zealand and Magglingen where I have been training since last year. The competition was very consistent and I am very happy with the results I achieved this year. In 2010 I finished second many times,” said Adams.
If the Zurich event is considered as an indoor competition Adams also achieved a New Zealand indoor record adding 2cm to her record set at last year’s world indoor championships in Doha.

Murray McKinnon
Communications Advisor
Athletics New Zealand
0274 806086
murray@mckinnon.co.nz

Athletics New Zealand – News