JACKSON PAINE
Aussie teen sensation Isis Holt is setting her sights on dominating the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games next year.
Fresh off reclaiming her world champion titles in the T35 100m and 200m events at the World Para-athletics Championships in London, Holt is one of Australia’s brightest medal hopes on the athletics track.
Having overcome the adversity of being hospitalised with tonsillitis just a fortnight before her race, Holt believes her performances in London have built her confidence as an athlete.
“It’s still pretty crazy to think that a few weeks before I left for London I was in hospital,” Ms Holt said.
“I think that would have to be what I’m most proud of, being able to come back a few weeks later and perform the way I did.
“I think that just reiterated my abilities to myself.”
The 16-year old first became world champion of both events after winning gold medals at the 2015 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.
The following year at the Rio Paralympics, Holt was unable to maintain her gold medal standing, surrendering the title to China’s Xia Zhou in each distance.
“I was pretty disappointed after Rio and was so determined to reclaim what I had done in Doha,” Ms Holt said.
“The process was a major focus point for me this year, mainly because I know that my focus on results really let me down the previous year.
“I knew my head was a little all over the place in Rio because preparation wasn’t ideal and there was pressure to run as I had done in Doha.
“I really wanted to change that mentality and take the focus away from medals and just enjoy running.”
Holt, who grew up in Melbourne, will now put all her energy into preparing for the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018.
It will be the first time Holt represents the green and gold in her home country.
“I am so excited for the Commonwealth Games next year because I think having an event like that in Australia, with para and able-bodied athletes combined, will be amazing.
“I think there is something really special about that and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.”