Athletics: Adams to take enforced break to recover from surgery

Valerie Adams has undergone surgery on her left shoulder and right elbow. Photo / Greg Bowker

Don't expect Valerie Adams to return to the throwing circle any time soon.

The double Olympic shot put champion underwent surgery for problems in her left shoulder and right elbow in Auckland yesterday.

They had been troubling her for some time. A jab for the elbow complaint before the Continental Cup in Marrakesh went wrong and forced her out of that event.

"They were reasonably straightforward and the medical team are very happy," Adams' manager Nick Cowan said of yesterday's surgery.

Adams, whose unbeaten shot put run now stands at 56 successive events, dating back to August, 2010, won't rush her comeback.

"We've decided we're not putting any sticks in the sand," Cowan said.

"She will take her time through rehab and the plan is to have her fully fit for the international season next year."

If the recovery went exceedingly well, it is possible Adams might reappear at the tail end of the coming summer season, but more likely is a May start with the world championships in Beijing next August, the key target.

If there is a positive spin to come out of the surgery, it is that it will ensure Adams does get a decent break from competition and can have a carefully measured return to the next season.