By Sanele Chadwick
Valerie Adams is on her way home, and so is the gold medal she was denied at the London Olympics.
Belarussian Nadzeya Ostapchuk won gold at the Games, but later tested positive for a banned substance, making Adams the Olympic champion.
After a wait of more than a month Adams finally got what she wanted, all smiles as she touched her Olympic gold for the first time.
"Pretty happy, very excited, like a child about to open up a Christmas present," says Adams.
The champion shot putter is on her way back to New Zealand for a special ceremony at the Cloud in Auckland tomorrow night, where she'll finally get to wear the medal around her neck.
But that's not all she's looking forward to.
"I know Wednesday night will be very special – I'm just looking forward to seeing three special people, that's my two nieces and nephew, and also my sister and my brother-in-law. It's been since March since I've seen the majority of my family."
Adams' family plays an influential role in her success, and she's now ready for some time-out from track and field to repay their loyal support.
"I'm emotionally drained, I'm physically drained," she says. "Right now I just need some R&R, I need to relax the mind and the body, just have some quality time with my family and actually have a life."
That life will involve a return to her Pacific Island roots.
"Laugh, tell jokes, mock each other, and a good old feed of Tongan food and go visit my mum."
Adams will be comfortable onboard her flight to New Zealand with a personalised pillow and blanket, made to recognise her achievement.
And it's guaranteed there will be a lot more recognition tomorrow night at the first Olympic gold medal ceremony ever held in New Zealand.
3 News