Valerie Villi
15 August 2008
Students aged 9-10 from Coran School in Auckland posed some questions to Valerie Vili who will be competing at the Beijing Olympics in the shot put. Some of the best questions were chosen and submitted to Valerie for her response.
Valerie Vili was world youth shot put champion in 2001. The next year she was world junior champion as well as scoring a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. A bronze followed in 2005 at the World Championships. In 2006 she won the Commonwealth Games gold medal with a throw of 19.66m, then was second in the World Athletic Final.
How many hours do you train for per day?
Ayra, age 9
I train about four to six hours a day.
Valerie Villi wins Silver in the Womens Shot-put at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
Credit: Sport the library, Jacki Ames, Photosport
What other sports do you play/interested in?
Jennifer , age 10
I'm interested in most sports, I do like basketball but I only do shot-put.
What got you interested in that sport?
Abigail , age 10
My biggest influence is my coach, but I loved it when I first began athletics at 13 and Kirstin [Valerie's coach] picked me up from there.
Did you like sport when you were little?
Helena , age 9
I was more into Basketball but all changed at 13.
Do you have a sweet tooth?
Chanel, age 10
Everyone does don't they, yeah I do, but I make sure I'm careful with what I eat, everything should be eaten in moderation.
Have you broken any bones playing shot-put?
Shaivalini , age 9
No not really, hurt my finger real bad last year but it didn't break.
What is your favourite ice cream flavour?
Victoria , age 9
Chocolate.
Where do you stay when you go to Beijing? Is it nice?
Victoria , age 9
We stay at the village, yeah I hear it's quite nice.
Is it a dream come true to head the Olympic Team for your country?
Rose, age 9
It sure is, means a lot to me.
How do you get the money to train and travel to the Olympics?
Rose, age 9
From my supporters and sponsors, Visa International are fantastic and so are Mitsubishi and adidas. SPARC are great support too for me, not to mention my team around me.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Sabine, age 10
Relax with family and friends.
What is a typical day like in the life of a professional athlete?
Anjali, age 9
Pretty full on training in the morning, then physio etc, usually some commitments for sponsor or media and then back to training for the afternoon then a massage or recovery and then home for dinner and bed.
How many Olympics have you been to before?
Harpriya, age 10
This will be my second, Athens was my first.
If you could define one most memorable moment in your sporting career – what would it be and why?
Miss Mehew, age not disclosed!
Winning the World Champs in Osaka last year, what a great event and I won it on my last throw, great feeling.
Do you eat Weetbix for breakfast?
Olivia , age 9
Not that often actually.
Who puts the most pressure on you? You, your coach, your family?
Olivia , age 9
Most pressure comes from within to be honest.
Are you aiming for a gold medal?
Alice, age 10
I'm gonna give it 110% and let's see what that brings, I hope it's a good one.
Are you nervous when competing?
Beatrice, age 9
YEP!!!! but I stay pretty focused on my job at hand, once I get out there or once the day comes along I get excited and love every minute of it.
Do you have a lucky charm?
Isabella, age 9
No not really, never been like that much.
Read more about Valerie's build up to the Beijing Olympic games in our exclusive article, Perfect Timing.
Updated | 31 Oct 2008.
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