By Jeff McTainsh
New Zealand weightlifting coach Adam Storey would dearly love to see Richie Patterson and Tracey Lambrechs make history by lifting the country's first Olympic medal in Rio, but he will also be keeping a keen eye on the fortunes of Valerie Adams.
Aside from working with the country's leading lifters since 2008, Storey has been training with the world's leading shot putter since 2014, helping Adams back to top form after she underwent shoulder and elbow surgery.
"I said to her at our last meeting two years ago, 'you were literally struggling to lift up a 20 kilo bar'," said Storey.
"Now she's lifting over a hundred kilos over her head.
"It's just been so cool to see that two-year journey with her. She's just a phenomenal athlete to be around."
Adam Storey (Getty Images)
Working with Adams in New Zealand and Europe, Storey's watched her go from strength-to-strength over the last two years, with the double Olympic champion breaking the 20 metre mark this season for the first time since her surgery.
"I got back from Switzerland about a month ago, and she's just in such amazing form."
A doctor of exercise science and physiology, Storey's seen plenty of physical specimens in the training gym during his career, but no one quite like Adams.
"As a coach I've learnt so much from Val as well.
"One thing that has truly inspired me is that, yes, she is genetically gifted, she's got all the attributes to make a great shot putter.
"But, by God, she works harder than anyone I know, she really is the consummate professional, she ticks everything in her training book."
Adams will be without her coach Jean-Pierre Egger in Rio after the 73-year-old underwent knee surgery, but Storey can't see it getting in the way of Adams' shot at a third Olympic gold medal.
"Val's feeling really, really comfortable with the situation. JP's obviously feeling comfortable as well.
"We've sort of prepared for every scenario under the sun. Val will be more than happy to go into competition on the 12th of August.
"We're all set to go. Without being bias my money is definitely on Val to take it out."
Adams will throw for gold in just over a week's time.
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