C H A M P I O N
To: Valarie Adams
Today I saw your wedding photo
on the cover of a Woman’s magazine.
How beautiful, and may I say, girly
you looked. There was a new softness
about you standing there in the arms
of your new husband, a childhood friend.
We are more familiar with the ‘muscle
and stamina’ gal ready to compete or
step onto the podium receiving yet another
medal.
Shot-putter extraordinaire.
You were looking skyward, as I recall,
on your gold win, Commonwealth 2006;
for your Mum who died when you
were barely in your teens; inspired as
you sat with her and watched the Sydney
2000 Olympics.
In August you’ll go to Brazil, have another
And go girl you will. You have the heart
of a champion.
But this morning, Monday, and such a short
honeymoon we hear you are back into
your training. You are the champion,
reserving the girly look for your private
moments. A very small wedding very
far removed from the mega crowds
in a mega stadium. In your victory
walks you have the bearing of a Queen
and I think of Queen Salote.
Go girl go. Go the champion. Tonga
will share our pride in you.
Envoi: New Year Honours 2016
And the poem grows as grows
your story. I bow in respect
Dame Valarie Adams.
Benita H. Kape (c) 4.4.2016
4 times World Champion
3 times World Indoor Champion
3 Times Commonwealth Champion
A double Olympic Champion
New Year Honours 2016
benitakape 