Valerie Adams Biography: Husband, Ethnicity, Net Worth, Age, Height, Awards, Children, Religion

Dame Valerie Kasanita Adams DNZM, known professionally as Valerie Adams, is a retired New Zealand shot putter regarded as one of the greatest in the event’s history.

She dominated for over a decade, going unbeaten in 107 competitions from 2006 to 2015.

Her achievements include four World Championships, four World Indoor titles, two Olympic gold medals (2008, 2012), one Olympic silver (2016), and three Commonwealth Games gold medals, along with numerous other major victories.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Dame Valerie Kasanita Adams DNZM
• Stage Name: Valerie Adams
• Born: October 6, 1984
• Age: 41 years old
• Birthplace: Rotorua, New Zealand
• Nationality: New Zealander
• Occupation: Retired Shot Putter
• Height: 1.93 m
• Parents: Sid Adams, Lilika Ngauamo
• Siblings: Lisa Adams, Steven Adams, Warren Adams
• Spouse: Gabriel Price (m. 2016), Bertrand Vili (m. 2004–2010)
• Girlfriends: None
• Children: Kimoana, and Kepaleli
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $5 million

Early Life and Education

Valerie Kasanita Adams was born on October 6, 1984, in Rotorua, New Zealand, to English father Sid Adams and Tongan mother Lilika Ngauamo.

She grew up in a large blended family in South Auckland after her parents separated early, facing financial hardship but finding support in athletics.

A physical education teacher spotted her talent despite limited resources, leading her to break school records.

She met coach Kirsten Hellier in 1998, who guided her career. Specific higher education details are not widely documented, as she prioritized training from her teens. Her ethnicity is mixed Tongan-British, and her religion is unknown.

Career

Valerie Adams discovered shot put in her early teens after encouragement from school staff and coach Kirsten Hellier, quickly excelling despite modest beginnings.

She won her first major international medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games (silver) and claimed her debut World Championship gold in 2005 at age 20.

Her breakthrough period saw her dominate from 2006 onward, building a nine-year unbeaten run with consistent technique, power, and mental strength that redefined the women’s event.

Adams peaked with Olympic golds in Beijing 2008 and London 2012 (plus silver in Rio 2016), four consecutive World outdoor titles (2005–2011), four World Indoor golds, and three Commonwealth crowns (2006, 2010, 2014; gold in 2018).

She set multiple records, including the Oceanian mark, and became the first woman to win four straight World Championships in an individual event.

Injuries and motherhood interrupted later years, but she competed through Tokyo 2020 (finishing seventh) before retiring.

Valerie Adams retired from competition in March 2022 after a storied career of 10 global titles and unmatched consistency.

She continues contributing through coaching (including her sister Lisa Adams, a Paralympic champion), board roles with High Performance Sport New Zealand, chairing the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission, and advocacy for women in sport.

Featured in the 2022 documentary Dame Valerie Adams: More than Gold, her legacy inspires resilience, particularly for athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @valerieadams84
• Facebook Handle: Valerie Adams

Personal Life

Valerie Adams was first married to discus thrower Bertrand Vili from 2004 to 2010. She married IT specialist Gabriel Price in 2016 after meeting earlier. The couple has two children: daughter Kimoana and son Kepaleli.

Adams has spoken openly about fertility challenges, the joys of motherhood, and balancing family with her career.

Post-retirement, she enjoys family time, community work, and giving back, often sharing positive family moments online while maintaining a grounded, inspirational presence.

Net Worth

Valerie Adams has an estimated net worth of $5 million. Her primary sources of income during her career included sponsorships from brands aligned with elite athletics, prize money from Olympic, World, and Commonwealth successes, and endorsements as a global ambassador.