By Michelle Pickles
After finally being awarded the gold medal that was rightfully hers, Valerie Adams is now looking forward to moving on.
Adams received the medal in a history-making ceremony in Auckland last night, which marked the first time an Olympic gold medal has been presented in New Zealand.
It was an emotional moment for the sportswoman who has waited five long weeks to claim her prize.
“I’m just speechless, really overwhelmed,” says Adams. “This moment was supposed to be had in London, but it didn’t [happen]. It closes a chapter and opens up a new one. I’m just glad this little puppy is around my neck and I can take it home.”
As her family watched proudly from the front row, Adams finally got the chance to hear the anthem and watch the flag raised in honour of her achievement.
New Zealand’s other Olympic medalists were also present at the ceremony.
“We're more than happy to be here and we wanted to be part of it and to share in the special occasion,” says fellow gold medalist Eric Murray. “It’s such a unique experience and even I was getting a bit choked up there because it brings back all the memories.”
“It’s horrible when the moments that come with the Olympics are taken away from you with someone cheating,” says Mahe Drysdale. “The person was caught and the right result is now restored and from tonight, Valerie can have her gold medal and enjoy it.”
It's a medal which has brought enjoyment to many, and for Adams it also brings an end to a turbulent few months.
“It hasn't been the easiest ride,” she says. “We finally got there and we're finally at the end of the journey now, but what better way to finish it than to finish it tonight with this.”
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