Shot put: Rising star Maddison Wesche aims for huge 2022 after breakthrough Olympic year

Rising shot put star Maddison Wesche caught the attention of the world at this year's Tokyo Olympics, sporting her iconic sunglasses as she earned a sixth-place finish at her first games. 

But it was the two personal bests in Japan that pleased her coaches the most, as Wesche firmly put herself among the sport's best. 

And at just 22-years-old, there's plenty more to come. 

Auckland's North Shore is a world away from the bright lights of Tokyo, but it's here - sunglasses on hand - where Wesche puts in the hard work.

"The glasses are a bit of a comfort thing," Wesche tells Newshub.

"I don't think I'm seeing without glasses. They're always on me. I've got a bit of an addiction and a collection going." 

Wesche will be a familiar face from this year's Olympics, where she stormed to a sixth-placed finish by throwing two personal bests. 

"I don't think we were surprised," Wesche's coach Mike Schofield says.  

"We were almost waiting for that to happen. Historically, Maddi's enjoyed big moments." 

The former under-20 world champion had no issue stepping up and performing on the biggest stage of all. 

Reaffirming to herself that she belongs at the top after, by her own admission, underperforming at the 2019 World Champs in Qatar.

"I didn't know if I was cut out to be amongst these women," Wesche adds. "It did give [me] a confidence boost, and set in stone that I'm able to be up there with them." 

And now, Wesche's craving more, with a big 2022 on the cards.

"Comm Games and I think a week before that is World Champs. It's going to be difficult to navigate logistics to get over there, but I'm just excited to compete again." 

Coaching duo Walter Gill and Schofield have no doubts the best is yet to come.

"We've seen a real growth in Maddi's confidence and to keep that momentum going through to next year is critical," Schofield adds. 

And with a stellar 2021 in the bank, that confidence looks certain to grow even more.