Vili One of the Best

Rotorua-born shot putter Valerie Vili, 25, has been shortlisted as one of five female finalists vying for the 2009 World Athlete of the Year award. The winners will be announced during the 2009 World Athletics Gala, which will take place in Monaco, on November 22. Vili is the reigning Olympic and Commonwealth champion. She also currently holds the New Zealand, Oceania and Commonwealth records for the shot put with a personal best of 21.07m.