Kirsten Hellier has taken the high road to China and is loving every minute of it.
After parting ways with Valerie Adams earlier this year the shotput supercoach was contracted by the Chinese athletic program.
She has since made several trips to China, and we caught up with a relaxed Hellier at the Asian Games in Guangzhou.
She has enjoyed learning about the culture, has picked up a bit of mandarin and delved deeply into the famous cuisine.
"The food is not a problem," she said. "You name it, I've tried it. You have to be adventurous and not eat with your eyes - just put down what is in front of you."
Her Chinese hosts have often been eager to impress the New Zealander, which has meant some quite exotic options at meal times.
"I've tried chicken claws, frogs, and ox tongue - I think we had pigeon the other day. Eating crickets was interesting but the bonus was when you have finished you can use them as toothpicks," she laughed.
Hellier sees a lot of potential in the Chinese shotputters.
"They don't always have the physical stature of other nations but they have speed and a real desire and willingness to succeed."
Hellier's main protégé, Li Ling, threw a personal best 19.94 to take the shotput gold medal at the Asian Games while the New Zealander is also assisting with a couple of junior athletes.
During our wander through Guangzhou we were stopped several times for photos from curious locals; with her shock of blonde hair and piercing blue eyes the Kiwi certainly stands out from the crowd.
"They often stop in their tracks when they see me," she admits. "But they are always very polite and not rude at all in their inquisitiveness."
How does she feel about being on mantelpieces and in photo albums all over the Middle Kingdom?
"Yeah, it's no problem. I guess I will be the white sheep of the family," she jokes.
- Herald on Sunday
Athletics: Life after Valerie for Hellier
Kirsten Hellier. Photo / Susan Nikolaison
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