Dame Valerie Adams and Eliza McCartney. Photo / Photosport.nz
Dame Valerie Adams and Eliza McCartney. Photo / Photosport.nz
A potentially symbolic athletics moment occurred on Friday outside Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast.
Dame Valerie Adams was leaving a series of media interviews after discussing her Commonwealth Games shot put silver medal, and the joy of having her six-month-old daughter Kimoana trackside to celebrate the moment.
Eliza McCartneywas entering to talk about her pole vault silver medal and the trajectory of her career as she joins the international circuit full-time.
The pair embraced or, more specifically, Adams' bear hug engulfed McCartney, whose eyes peeped over the shot putter's shoulder.
They could just as well have been passing a relay baton between generations.
Adams is the 33-year-old double Olympic and four-time world champion who once reigned unbeaten for 107 consecutive international meets across eight years, nine months and 17 days.
McCartney is the 21-year-old wunderkind who secured a bronze medal on Olympic debut in Rio and brought pole vaulting into the national consciousness for the first time.
Fans may have witnessed Adams' last major performance.
Returning from a Caesarian section birth in October has been one of the biggest challenges in her storied 16-year run. She started full training again in January.
Adams first represented New Zealand at a Commonwealth Games as a 17-year-old in Manchester 2002, where she also secured silver. Victories followed in Melbourne, Delhi and Glasgow.
Valerie Adams' career at elite level has lasted 16 years so far. Photo / Greg Bowker
She recorded a season best 18.70m with her first and best attempt on the Gold Coast. Her personal best of 21.24 was set winning the 2011 world title.
"I cannot ask for more than that, it wouldn't have been possible," she said.
"I didn't know what I was getting into when signing up for this, but I have total respect for every mother out there."
Adams said the help of her family gave her the opportunity to chase these Commonwealth Games.
"Having my child brought to me [afterwards] brought so much emotion. I'm doing this for her. It touched my heart, and I drew motivation.
"That gave me perspective on life and how important it is to build one around a sporting career."
Danniel Thomas-Dodd triumphed with a personal best and Jamaican record 19.36m in the fifth round.
Adams paid tribute to her mother-in-law, Noma Price, who took a term's leave from her job as a teacher aide to look after her granddaughter during work days.
