Valerie Adams says she could have never imagined her Olympic gold medal ceremony in Auckland could be so perfect.
The shot putter, who came second at the recent London Games, was awarded her second Olympic gold medal after long-time Belarussian rival Nadzeya Ostapchuk failed a drug test.
Adams finally received the medal from Governor-General Lieutenant General Sir Jerry Mateparae in front of 2500 well-wishers on Wednesday night and said the ceremony in Auckland was perfect.
"It's been absolutely amazing, very overwhelming. The reception at the airport to right now is absolutely fantastic ... this is all perfect."
Adams said she does not want to spend another minute thinking about the woman who very nearly stole her Olympic dreams.
"She robbed the moment, but today I've just had my moment - so this makes up for every other moment that I've missed."
People around the country joined in the televised celebrations, including more than 500 who gathered at the Wellington waterfront to watch ceremony on a big screen.
The night ended with a fireworks display in Auckland and Wellington.
