Shot put champion Adams out of world championships

New Zealand's Valerie Adams in action during shot put. Reuters / Phil Noble

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - Double Olympic shot put champion Valerie Adams will not defend her world athletics championships title in Beijing later this month as she recovers from elbow and shoulder surgery, the New Zealander said on Thursday.

The 30-year-old underwent surgery on her right elbow and left shoulder last September and while she had returned to competition in Europe this year, her performances were below her best.