‘I’ve found myself again’ – Hollie Arnold back firing all cylinders ahead of Delhi World Championships

The Welsh para javelin star, 31, is gearing up for this week’s event in New Delhi hoping to add yet more silverware to a decorated career

Will Jennings in New Delhi

18:13, 25 Sep 2025

Hollie Arnold, F46 Javelin, captured during Kitting Out Day for GB&NI Para Athletics Team selected for World Para Athletics Championships in Delhi(Image: Sam Mellish Photography)

Happy Hollie Arnold says a ninth-month break from athletics has injected a newfound energy into her bid for a stunning seventh consecutive world title.

The Welsh para javelin star, 31, is gearing up for this week’s event in New Delhi hoping to add yet more silverware to a decorated career.

Arnold, who grabbed F46 Paralympic gold in Rio before bronze in Tokyo and Paris, announced an elongated break from the sport after the Games last summer in order to focus on her mental health.

And she has returned back firing on all cylinders, launching her longest throw since 2019 at the recent UK Championships in Birmingham.

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Arnold admits she was close to retiring from the sport altogether but has relished banishing her demons ahead of her return to the global stage.

“I had the longest I’ve break ever had up in sport – for the mental side of it,” said Arnold, speaking from the British pre-championships holding camp in Dubai.

“I had a lot of heartbreak and demons to battle that I’ve always put to one side – they’ve always been there but I’d always had events to do.

“Last year becoming six-time world champion then going straight to Paralympics, where I won bronze, was really tough.

“After that, I realised that I hadn’t been myself for a very long time or that happy Holly.

“I put my hand up, said I wasn’t okay and got in touch with a clinical psychologist.

“I’ve been working through that last nine months, which has been a massive help.

“I found myself again. It was scary talking about deepest darkest thoughts – but it’s really opened my eyes.

“It was always medals and gold that I compared myself to – but taking that nine months off was a realisation we have such a beautiful life and it’s an honour to have this life. I needed it to fix myself.

“That was a lot of anxiety coming back and I said to my partner I didn’t know if I could do it anymore – there was lots of heartbreak and tears.

“But that 1% spark was still there, I knuckled down and am happy again. It’s lovely and so nice.

“Something had to flick, but I’m incredibly proud of myself – I’m probably my worst critic but I’m now back smiling, laughing and excited again.”

Arnold is one of over 30 British athletes descending on New Delhi this month, with the team now sponsored by official finance partner Novuna.

One athlete who will be absent in the sub-continent is two-time Paraympic medallist Zac Shaw, who like Arnold, hails originally from Grimsby and has taken the decision to withdraw on personal grounds.

Shaw, 29, bagged T12 100m bronze at the previous two editions of the World Championships in Kobe and Paris but has not travelled to India this week.

And speaking about her close friend, Arnold said: “I’m heartbroken Zac isn’t here, but I absolutely respect him so much for making that decision.

“He’s done the best thing putting his needs first – he would have wanted to be there but he’s made the right decision for him. I’ll always be thinking of him.”

Arnold, who competes on the opening day of the championships on Friday, added: “Sport is always an absolute rollercoaster, but if I go out there and compete at my best on the day, I know is good enough for the medals.

“I’m a fighter, that’s who I am and that’s what I’ll be doing on the day.”

Novuna is the Official Finance Partner of British Athletics and proud sponsor of the GB & NI Athletics Team. From everyday goals to world-class dreams, Novuna helps millions across the UK – backing British businesses, supporting individuals’ plans, and supporting British Athletics on the global stage. Find out more at www.novuna.co.uk

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