When you talk about (or even Google) celebrated athletes in this country, rugby players usually come up first.

But I want you to meet New Zealand’s most-capped athlete, who has played an astonishing 667 international matches for her country.

She is Val Smith, one of New Zealand’s most successful lawn bowls athletes. She’s a two-time world champion and has another nine world championship medals to her name.

She’s also one of the most wholesome interviews I’ve done in a while – guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart!