To understand the external demons faced by shot putter Valerie Adams at her fourth Olympics, look at the London Games podium. Adams has not bettered that mark in competition since beating Schwanitz with 20.88m at the 2013 world championships. Back in the real world, Adams' march towards Rio gold still looks promising. She is the only woman to win four consecutive shot put world championships, yet her best performances rank with the also-rans. The scenario boosts anticipation for the Olympics, something Adams relishes after a recent training discovery which could translate to extended distance.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 02, 2016 17:01 UTC