Lisa Adams departure from the sport leaves behind a remarkable legacy, spanning six years, during which she achieved two Para world titles and claimed gold in shot put F37 at the Tokyo Paralympics. She also holds the current world record in shot put F37 and received the pin from New Zealand due to her Olympic gold debut.

"It has not been an easy decision to retire from athletics. The sport has given me so much and many happy memories, but I just felt the passion and energy to keep training every day was no longer there.

"Some might wonder at the timing of my decision so close to the Para Athletics World Championships and with the Paralympic Games on the horizon, but I felt I had given it all I could. Following retirement, I look forward to spending more time as a mum," Lisa said.

Diagnosed with left hemiplegia, a form of cerebral palsy, Lisa was introduced to athletics later in life by Athletics New Zealand Para Lead Raylene Bates after showcasing potential in rugby union.

Debuting competitively at age 27 during the 2018 Victorian Championships in Melbourne, Lisa's immense potential became evident. Later that season, she achieved the Para shot and discus double at the Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships in Hamilton.

Lisa soared to Para athletics stardom with world records at the 2019 World Championships and 2020 New Zealand Championships, culminating in Tokyo Paralympic gold. In 2022, Lisa claimed the Oceania title, while in Paris last year, she defended her Para World crown with a record-breaking toss of 14.84m.

The 33-year-old is retiring undefeated after shoulder surgery in September last year and competing in 2024 Jennian Homes New Zealand Track & Field Championships in Wellington last month. She leaves an indelible mark on Aotearoa's (New Zealand) sports history.

Lisa Adams said, "I leave the sport with no regrets. I am immensely proud of what I achieved in my six years in athletics with the highlight of winning gold in Tokyo knowing I shared the same circle as my big sister (Dame Valerie), who won her fourth shot put Olympic medal just a few weeks earlier."

Double Olympic shot put champion Dame Valerie Adams said: "I have learned so much while coaching my sister Lisa, it’s been an incredible experience with incredible memories made together. I am so proud of all that Lisa has accomplished during her time participating in this amazing sport of athletics."

Athletics NZ High-Performance Director Scott Newman said: "Lisa is a deeply respected and popular member of our team and retires with our sincere thanks for all she has achieved in our sport."

Raelene Castle, Group Chief Executive, Sport New Zealand, said: "Congratulations to Lisa. Throughout her Paralympic career, she has equally advocated for female athletes and athletes with a disability.  We talk about 'if you can see it, you can be it' and in that context, Lisa has been a fantastic role model for young people with cerebral palsy."