Hollie Arnold Looks To More Gold In Japan And Throwing 50 Metres

Hollie Arnold has set her sights on Tokyo 2020 – and throwing over 50 metres – after defending her title with a world record display at the World Para Athletics Championships.

Wales-based Arnold retained her women’s F46 javelin title at the London Stadium on Saturday night with 43.02 metres throw.

Now she believes she can retain her Paralympic title won in Rio last year with a huge improvement in Japan in three year’s time.

“I’m going to grow, become faster and build up more muscle,” said Arnold. “I think I’m capable of achieving close to 50-metres.”

The 23-year-old who finished fifth at London 2012, surpassed her own world record of 43.01 – set in taking gold in Rio – to win her third consecutive world title.

“I just feel amazing – 2012 wasn’t what I wanted, but I wanted to go out there and destroy the girls and that’s what I did.”

Arnold, who was born with no right hand and forearm, grew up in Grimsby but relocated to Wales in 2010 to seek improved coaching and facilities.

“I didn’t perform as I’d hoped for at the London Paralympics so I couldn’t wait to come back here and win this time.

“The crowd was amazing, and it lifted me so much. My goal was to become a triple world champion and doing that in front of a home crowd was amazing.

“I felt good but I didn’t realise it would go so far, not the world record anyway. It was just an amazing series of throws I had and I am proud of myself.

“It felt great to win the gold in front of my family and friends at this stadium. Five years ago, it was very emotional but I came here again to make new memories.”