Episode Information

This 90’ feature documentary is the candid and inspirational story of fivetime Olympian, double Olympic gold medallist, Tongan/New Zealander Dame Valerie Adams; one of the world’s most celebrated athletes. It is also the story of a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a survivor. At a time when sportswomen globally are struggling with pressures beyond the field of play Dame Valerie Adams is a beacon of hope. Competing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games required all the shotputter’s determination and courage. At 37, following two major surgeries and the birth of her children, she was considered an ‘older’ athlete. Struggling to balance her role as a mum with her job as an elite sportsperson, Valerie was forced to navigate emotions every mother will identify with. Woven around observational scenes of Dame Valerie’s journey to Tokyo, is her astonishing backstory . Over the course of 25 years Valerie has conquered adversity time and time again. Six foot three at 12-years-old she was bullied at school. She competed barefoot at her first shotput competition because she couldn’t afford shoes. At just 15 she nursed her dying mother while watching the Sydney 2000 Olympics on TV…the moment that inspired her Olympic dream. Many New Zealanders believe they know Dame Valerie Adams, but in a ‘sports’ documentary like no other she shares her story with honesty and vulnerability exposing herself in a way few sportspeople dare. More Than Gold speaks to anyone who has faced hardship, lost someone they loved, or held onto a dream. It is both funny and gut-wrenching as Dame Valerie shows us what it means to be a worldclass competitor and a person for whom winning means more than gold. Winner of the 1st Jury Prize and Youth Jury Prize at FIFO (Association Du Festival International Du Film Oceanien).