Adams retires ‘with no regrets’
World and Paralympic shot put F37 champion Lisa Adams has retired from the sport with immediate effect, putting the full stop on a glittering and gold-medal-laden career on the global stage.
Adams, 33, has made the decision to focus on being a mum and to spend more time with her 11-year-old son, Hikairo.
She leaves the sport after six years and boasting two Para world titles and the Tokyo Paralympic gold, as well as being the current world shot F37 record holder.
“It has not been an easy decision to retire from athletics,’’ she said.
“The sport has given me so much and many happy memories, but I just felt the passion and energy to keep training every day was no longer there.
“Some might wonder at the timing of my decision so close to the Para Athletics World Championships and with the Paralympic Games on the horizon, but I felt I had given it all I could.
“Following retirement, I look forward to spending more time as a mum,’’ Adams said.
Diagnosed with left hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, from an early age, Adams was a late starter to the sport of athletics and made her competitive debut at 27.
“I leave the sport with no regrets,’’ she said. “I am immensely proud with what I achieved in my six years in athletics, with the highlight winning gold in Tokyo knowing I shared the same circle as big sister [Dame Valerie Adams], who won her fourth shot put Olympic medal just a few weeks earlier.’’
Double Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams said: “I’ve learned so much while coaching my sister Lisa. It’s been an incredible experience with incredible memories made together.
“Her transformation from a young mother to an inspiring and resilient athlete and woman is a testament to her perseverance and commitment. I am so proud of all that Lisa has accomplished during her time participating in this amazing sport of athletics.”