Kiwi Valerie Adams made history on the 12 August 2013 to become the most successful shot putter in history with her fourth consecutive World Title in Moscow.

This installs Valerie as the most dominant athlete in the sport – male or female. Val is now unbeaten in a streak spanning 9 events across three years, holding every major shot put title.

She first won in Osaka in 2007, followed by titles in Berlin, Daegu, and now Moscow. She also secured two Olympic titles inbetween, although she was unable to stand on the dias and hear her national anthem because Nadzeya Ostapchuk from Belarus originally won the gold, but was disqualified for doping.

I was asked to provide a sketch of Valerie (then with the surname Vili) at a Celebration Luncheon in Invercargill, New Zealand in October 2007, which was presented to her. She loved it and signed a copy for me.