Dame Valerie Adams' leaves coach, teams up with Christchurch's Dale Stevenson ahead of Olympics

Dame Valerie Adams. Photo: Getty Images
Dame Valerie Adams. Photo: Getty Images
Dame Valerie Adams' coach Scott Goodman has revealed why the pair are parting ways, saying it was a mutual agreement and one which will serve as a "win-win".

Two-time Olympic gold medallist Adams has decided to switch coaches ahead of next year's postponed Tokyo Olympic Games, opting to team up with Christchurch-based Dale Stevenson.

Stevenson also coaches Commonwealth Games gold medalist shot putter Tom Walsh, among others as the national throws coach.

Revealing the news on Instagram today, Adams said she was excited to join Stevenson's team.

Dale Stevenson. Photo: Getty Images
Dale Stevenson. Photo: Getty Images
"I need to step out of my comfort zone and shake things up a bit to enable me to be the best version of myself in Tokyo. Soooo I'm very excited to have Dale Stevenson lead my programme and to have the opportunity to train in his squad," she wrote.

"I want to thank Scott Goodman for his continued help and support in the last few years especially through my pregnancies and comeback at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games."

Goodman said he and Adams came to the conclusion that working with Stevenson would be best for not only her but the wider throw team ahead of next year's Tokyo Games.

"Having someone like Valerie training with Tom and the banter, especially in the gym where people are really working to their limits, having that group dynamic and someone beside you can be inspiring, it just provides a different level of energy, they'll all benefit from that," he said.

"This is a win-win, I've talked to Dale and Valerie and Tom about this and from a national program, we think this is the best approach to help all of the athletes."

Adams, who is looking to compete in her fifth Olympics, will travel to Christchurch weekly on a program which will see her train with Stevenson and the squad three weeks out of four.

Dale Stevenson and Canterbury Olympian Tom Walsh. Photo: NZME
Dale Stevenson and Canterbury Olympian Tom Walsh. Photo: NZME