Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
Valerie Adams, a celebrated shot put athlete from New Zealand with two Olympic gold medals and eight world titles, became Chair of the World Athletics Athletes' Commission in 2023, after serving as Deputy Chair since 2019. That same year, she was one of the first active athletes to join the World Athletics Council as a full voting member. At the World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, where she served as a World Athletics ambassador, Adams discussed her transition from athlete to administrator and emphasized mentoring women and young girls in athletics to help close the gender gap in the sport.
Reflecting on her move into leadership and the Athletes’ Commission, Adams shared that coming from a small country and a region where athletics is less widespread, she initially felt reluctant and shy. However, success in her career helped her find her voice and recognize disparities, such as differences between European and Oceanian athletics. She joined the Commission to assist athletes in navigating the system and to help the organization understand global challenges and the ongoing need to address them.
Adams noted that her experiences as a competitor shaped her resilience, work ethic, and understanding of challenges—qualities that influence her leadership and decision-making in governance. She emphasized gaining exposure, allies, and confidence, and learning the complexities of sport administration. Her current role focuses on bridging understanding between athletes and organizational operations, promoting awareness of decision-making processes, and building athlete support.