Hollie Arnold Takes Gold Again And Sets Her Sights On Tokyo Showdown

By Owen Morgan

Hollie Arnold celebrated her fourth consecutive World Para Athletics title on Monday, but instantly turned her attention to re-claiming her world record at next year’s Paralympics in Tokyo.

The Loughborough-based athlete set a new personal best on her way to the F46 javelin title in Dubai, but fell short of regaining the world record she broke to claim gold for Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Australia, last year.

Having pouched her fourth world title, Arnold’s focus is now on Paralympic gold and the world record she lost to New Zealand’s Holly Robinson in April.

After throwing a new championship and European record to become world champion again, Arnold said: “I’m so happy, this season has been so, so long, so I’m really happy to go out there and get a PB and a gold medal.

“That’s what I wanted to do and I had a really good series as well. Obviously, I really wanted that world record, but that’s where Tokyo is going to come into it and I can’t wait for that.”

After taking the lead in round one with a 40.87m effort, it was Arnold’s third round effort of 44.73m that clinched the record fourth title.

🙋 Time for some @HollieA2012 reaction!

🌍 Last night she claimed her fourth straight @ParaAthletics World Championship title last night and number four is just as special as the first #Dubai2019 #REPRESENT pic.twitter.com/lQgMTVFir6

— British Athletics (@BritAthletics) November 12, 2019

Commenting on the winning throw, Arnold said: “I was really pumped for it and to be able to put my position as last to throw, so I kind of did that.

“I was so pumped and so ready, it didn’t feel amazing, but it did at the same time and that was really nice because there is so much more to come.

“I’m happy with today and I’ll take all of those positives. Now, I’ll have a few weeks off and be ready to roll for Tokyo.”

For now, Arnold is delighted to have claimed the fourth consecutive world title and was keen to pay tribute to those who have helped to make the remarkable achievement possible.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “I’ve effectively won four times in a row for my event and I’m so, so happy. It’s not just about me, it’s about my team around me.

“My coach Dave Turner has put so much work into this. He’s had to deal with the happy Hollie, the sad Hollie and the angry Hollie.

“Title number four is just as special as title number one. It’s really hard when you come here as the defending champion, but I’m just so happy it’s over now and I can’t wait to get on that podium and get my gold medal.”