Defending World and Olympic Champion Valerie Adams announced today on her Instagram that she will not be competing in the shot put at the World Championships in Beijing. 

 

 

Today I want to inform you all that I won't be attending the World Championships in Beijing. I have thought about this long and hard and know it's the right thing to do. For all those that know me, know how competitive I am and how much I love competing in the black singlet. This has been a tough come back but I'm glad I made an attempt this season as it has just boosted my motivation more for the Olympics which has always been the main focus. Deep down this is not easy but I'm a realist and know I'm not ready just yet and I still have stuff to work and it's been a challenge since my surgery on my elbow especially as it has/ is taking more time then I thought it would... But that's life and I must roll with the punches and deal to this sucker. My right knee also needs some tender loving physical care and that will be attended to as soon as I hit NZ soil.... But all in all I want to take this time to thank you all for the continued belief and support throughout my career especially in the last 10 months. No one said it would be easy but I'm a willing participant and will continue to fight and work towards defending my tittle in Rio 2016. 🇧🇷🙏🏻💪🏽🇳🇿 #TeamAdams #RoadToRio #LetsGo #JourneyStartsNow

A photo posted by Valerie Adams (@valerieadams84) on Aug 5, 2015 at 11:35am PDT

 

Adams underwent double surgery in September 2014 to repair her left, non-throwing shoulder and right elbow after the 2014 season that saw her win streak extend to 56 straight victories, which included Diamond League series and Commonwealth Games gold medal performances. 

 

After extensive rehabilitation, Adams returned to competition on July 4, 2015 with a season’s best throw of 18.79m, which earned a fifth-place finish at the Paris Diamond League meeting. She continued her season with a win in Luzern on July 14, a runner-up finish in London on July 25, and a fourth-place finish in the Stockholm Diamond League meeting on July 29. 

 

Adams stated that she will focus on the 2016 season in preparation for defending her two Olympic gold medals from the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

 

“No one said it would be easy, but I’m a willing participant and will continue to fight and work towards defending my title in Rio 2016,” Adams wrote in her Instagram post.