“Just Give It a Go”: Dame Valerie Adams on Raising Confident Kids Through Sport

 1. Growing up, what were some of the biggest barriers you faced when it came to participating in sport? 

Like a lot of families, we didn’t always have a lot growing up, so a lot of times we didn’t have the money which made it so much harder. 

2. Who encouraged you to get involved in sport as a child? 

Being as tall as I was at school, I automatically got thrown into different sports for my height but ultimately it was my PE teacher at school who actively encouraged me. It was also a safe space for me where I felt somewhat normal. 

3. What inspired you to become an ambassador for the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon? 

I’ve always loved what the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is about. It gives kids the chance to get active, challenge themselves and have a go. 

4. Why is it important to create more sporting opportunities for Pasifika children? 

Sports changes lives. Sports bring people together in a way nothing else does. Creating more opportunities is critical especially for our youth of today where life can get a little tough. It also will help with our mental health and wellbeing for our entire community. 

5. How important is representation in sport, particularly for young Pasifika girls? 

Representation matters as it helps our young Pasifika girls, see what’s possible. When you see Pasifika women on the world stage doing amazing things, it almost seems possible from the get-go. I make a point to tell my story about how I grew up and where I came from because I’m sure most of the time it’s very similar. 

6. Are you concerned that children could miss out on sport because of cost-of-living pressures? 

All the time as this is a fact. We as a nation must be aware of the financial pressure already on families. It scares me that sports can sometimes be the first thing to go but I’m hoping that things will ease quickly for the sake of our children. 

 7. What do you love most about seeing children take part in the TRYathlon? 

Probably the look on their faces when they cross the finish line. You see kids who might have been nervous at the start of the day, and by the end they’re smiling and feeling proud of themselves. 

8. What do you do to encourage your own children to participate in sport? 

I encourage them to try different things and find what they enjoy. For me, it’s not really about results. It’s about being active, having fun and building confidence. I want them to enjoy the experience and find their own interests. 

9. What lessons do you hope children take away from their TRYathlon experience? 

I hope they learn that it’s okay to be nervous and that it’s okay to try something that’s a bit challenging. You don’t have to finish first to get something out of the experience. Sometimes the biggest achievement is just getting out there and giving it a go. 

10. As both an Olympic champion and a solo mum, how do you support your children in sport? 

When I’m on the sideline, I’m there as Mum. I encourage my kids to have fun, support their teammates and do their best. At the end of the day, I’m much more interested in whether they’ve enjoyed themselves than what the result was. 

11. What would you say to a child who feels nervous about taking part? 

I’d say that’s completely normal. Most people feel nervous when they’re about to try something new. My advice would be to give it a go, and reminding them to have fun and smile. More importantly to enjoy the event and do your best.