Valerie
with Phil Gifford
The story of one of New Zealand’s greatest sporting champions and much-loved Olympian
Published by Hachette New Zealand $44.99 RRP, 30 October 2012
‘We cried. For one minute we were all so very happy, and nobody could say one word at this time. It was one of the most
fantastic moments of my life, to have so much joy.’
– Coach Jean-Pierre Egger, when Valerie told him she had won gold in London
Valerie changes the face of New Zealand sports books. Valerie Adams keeps no secrets as she tells her inspirational story of how
a Tongan kid from Mangere, throwing the shot in bare feet, transformed herself into a double Olympic champion. She
tells, in minute by minute detail, what really happened at the London Olympics. You’ll learn the full, true story of her
split with coach Kirsten Hellier. She also reveals why the pain in her personal life made 2010 a nightmare for her. And
why, to stay the best in the world, she’s been living on a mountaintop in Switzerland.
Sir Murray Halberg says Valerie Adams may be on track to be our greatest ever athlete.
Valerie — honest, joyous and sometimes heartbreaking — is the unvarnished story of a great athlete and a remarkable New
Zealander.
About the Author
Phil Gifford is an award-winning broadcaster and journalist. The author of 14 books, 10 of them biographies, he was the
first person to be twice chosen as the New Zealand Sports Journalist of the Year.
ENDS