China double header comes as Adams eyes a long game

Valerie Adams is looking to the big picture. Photo / Greg Bowker

Two trips to China are occupying Valerie Adams' attention as she leaves New Zealand for another season on top of the sporting world.

In August, the four-time world shot put champion will attempt to defend her crown in Beijing, but first she will swap the black singlet for an evening gown at the Laureus World Sports Awards in Shanghai.

Adams is the first Kiwi nominated for an individual prize at the awards and, before heading to her training base in Switzerland next Wednesday, she will mingle with the likes of Serena Williams, Rory McIlroy and Germany's World Cup-winning football team.

Adams was content to simply be considered among the top five sportswomen in the world.

"It would be pretty amazing but I'm just honoured and humbled to even be there," she said. "I'm up against a great line-up of females who have done so great around the world."

Adams earned her invitation with a stellar 2014, remaining unbeaten through all competitions to claim the IAAF sportswoman of the year title - but her year of consistent highs did end on a low.

Surgery on shoulder and elbow injuries last September left Adams with a question mark heading into the new season, but the 30-year-old hopes for full health before the world championships.

"That's the million-dollar question," Adams replied, when asked for a timeframe for that fitness search. "I can't put a date on it, I can't put a time on it, but we do have time to get back up there.

"One thing I do know with myself is that I'll never compete at a competition at 80 per cent - I always want to make sure that I'm 100 per cent and ready to rock and roll.

"I don't do things half-arse and I'm not going to start doing them now."

Six months removed from the operating table, Adams accepted frustrations were inherent in a slow and steady recovery, given elite athletes were hardly a patient breed.

But she acknowledged the need for an eye on the bigger picture - her long-term health and a fourth Olympic Games.

"It is different, obviously, with having injuries and surgeries to consider.

"But, in saying that, I've got a really good team around me that's going to help me do that.

"Regardless of what happens this year, our goal is to make sure that we're ready to roll [in Rio]. They are big mountains to climb but I have climbed them before.

"This climb might be a little bit tougher but I'm ready for the challenge."