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Get to know Hollie Arnold MBE ahead of the Paralympic Games
05/09/2024 00:00, In Blog /
F46 javelin thrower Hollie Arnold arrives in Paris ready for what will an incredible 5th Paralympic Games for the Loughborough-based athlete! She will be competing on Friday 6 September from 18:18 onwards, looking to improve on her Bronze medal winning performance at the last Paralympics in Tokyo in 2021.
Hollie's first Paralympics came in 2008 in Beijing, making her one of the youngest field athletes ever in the Paralympics at the age of 14. She went on to compete at every games since as well as a host of other international competitions. Career highlights so far have included Gold at the World Juniors in 2011, six Senior World Titles and Paralympic Gold in Rio 2016.
Hear more from Hollie below:
How are you feeling heading into your fifth Paralympics?
I'd never have believed that the little 14 year old in Beijing would still be competing at Paralympic level 16 years later! I doubt it will ever sink in that I'm lucky enough to go to another games. There's a combination of emotions and while I might seem a little nervous before competition I'm actually really excited!
Hollie getting ready for Paris in the Team GB photoshoot.
How has your year been going so far in the lead up to the games?
Competing never gets easier, and there's now some really impressive depth in the F46 Women's Javelin! Going for my 6th World Title in Kobe I put my everything into the competition day so was releived to have fought the fight and got it over the line! Kobe was great fun, despite the crazy pressure so its definitely the highlight of the year so far.
It takes a lot out of you going straight from Worlds to Paralympics, but it's great to have a smile on my face and to be enjoying competing again! It's given me a whole lot of confidence going into the games.
What does it mean to you to be part of Team GB at the Paralympics?
It's what dreams are made of! Ever since Beijing my dream was always to continue being a Paralympian. You also really get an enormous sense of pride with the whole occasion knowing that your family and friends are all watching in the stadium or on telly back at home.
What's life like for Hollie outside athletics?
Supporting my boyfriend - he's a table tennis coach, although I'm not sure I'm the most gifted player myself! Spending time with my family is also really important to me.
Join us in wishing Hollie all the best ahead of Friday's event!