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Paralympic Champ Excited About Star Opportunity

Updated: Nov 19, 2020



By Arron Evans

North Wales Pioneer


Hollie Arnold says she hopes to get a chance to 'come back' and explore North Wales once her I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! journey is over.


Over the years, the 26-year-old Javelin superstar, has won three gold medals at the World Para Athletic Championships. She also produced a world-record throw of 43.01 metres to earn gold at the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016, before securing gold again at the European Championships in Berlin 2018 and a sixth gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in 2018.


Youngest Paralympian Ever

Born without her right forearm, Hollie went on to become the youngest field athlete to ever compete in the Paralympics/Olympics, at the age of 13 at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing and was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017.


She will take on a whole new challenge as she joins nine other contestants on the 20th series of I'm A Celeb at Abergele's Gwrych Castle.


Speaking to the Rhyl Journal about whether or not her competitive streak will come out to play during her time at the castle, Hollie said: "Of course, I mean you cant really be in it to not win it really, but I think it will be completely different as I cant train for this and I don't really know what to expect.


"But, I'm hoping that some of my competitiveness, some of the mind training that I'm able to do with in competition modes, to take that into trial modes. I'm quite excited to see the competitive side of Holly come out."


"I think I will need a motivator at the same time, we all have bad days in there I'm sure, when its cold, wet and windy and we're thinking what on Earth have we got ourselves in for. But, I'd like to think that I can try and motivate people and I'll probably end up singing, so hopefully people wont mind that!


"I just want to enjoy this moment, its an incredible opportunity, especially for me. I'd say take it with both hands, but I guess it'll be with one for me."


Asked whether or not she believes she can be an inspiration to people, Hollie said: "I don't see myself as inspiring in that way but I hope that anybody who is disabled decides to look at me and go she's on this, she's gone on that show, she's proved that she's just like everybody else, she's normal, she's a human being, and yes, I'll probably struggle with some of the challenges, but I certainly won't let that define me.


"I'll make sure that I'll try and do the challenge to the best of my abilities and I just hope that I come off that show and people go I like what she's done or she's just given it 100% - then that's probably the best thing that can come out of it."

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