Dame Valerie Adams is changing things up, as she prepares for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist has linked up with renowned shot put coach Dale Stevenson, who coaches Kiwi men's star Tom Walsh.
Adams had worked with Athletics NZ high performance manager Scott Goodman since 2017, after the retirement of Swiss mentor Jean-Pierre Egger, who coached her for seven years.
"What a year 2020 has been, with so much uncertainty," Adams, 36, has posted on Instagram.
"It’s been tough on us all and hasn't been easy as an athlete trying to train for ultimately nothing has been frustrating.
"So 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.
"I want to thank Scott Goodman for his continued help and support the last few years, especially through my pregnancies and comeback at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
"I am grateful that he will still be on the journey with me in his role as HP director and in particular providing support when I am in Auckland.
"Tokyo is nine months away... let's chalk up and do this."
Adams is hunting her third Olympic gold medal, after claiming titles at Beijing 2008 and London 2012.
