Lightning Bolt Holt, who won double gold at last year’s World Championships, never looked in doubt as she took the win in the women’s 100m T35, exploding out of the blocks before speeding clear of the field to cross the line in 13.58 - cementing herself as the giant of para-athletics. The VIS spoke to the bubbly 16 year-old;
VIS: How does it feel to be a Commonwealth Games GOLD medallist?
IH: It’s an incredible feeling! Obviously each major event holds its own significance but to win gold at a home Games has always been a dream of mine. So to be able to say that I’ve now achieved that is pretty surreal!
VIS: What was it like competing at a home Games in front of your friends and family?
IH: I loved knowing that I had friends and family watching me compete! Right after my race I ran up to my coach (Nick Wall) and one of my training partners and was able to say a quick “hi” and “thank you” to them before running my victory lap. To share that special moment with the people I train with almost every day and who helped me to get to where I am today, was so exciting. It’s something that makes me smile and that I will remember forever.
VIS: What was your best moment from the Games?
IH: Winning the gold was pretty special! But I also really enjoyed getting to know other athletes outside of the Paralympic circle and having the opportunity to support other TeamAus athletes and celebrate our team’s success with different people from a range of sports. The village was pretty cool too!
VIS: What was it like competing alongside able-bodied athletes on the World stage?
IH: Having a combined team was probably what I was most nervous about, as I didn’t know a lot of the athletes on the team. However, I found that we all had a lot in common regardless of whether we had competed at the Olympics or Paralympics. It also gave some of the para athletes some great exposure and it was really nice to feel like the crowds were just as eager to support our events as the able bodied ones.
VIS: Tell us about village life?
IH: It’s pretty awesome being able to live in a village that consists of nothing but athletes. It feels a bit like being in a very green and gold bubble away from the rest of the world so it’s always very weird leaving the village. The vibe was really cool with coverage everywhere to keep up with events and someone always knowing what was going on and when. The Aussie team especially began to feel like a really big extended family by the end of the Games and I think there was a resounding sense of pride from the moment we entered the village to the moment we left.
VIS: How did the VIS support you leading into the Games?
IH: I regularly used the gym and physio facilities at the VIS as well as a few other programs such as nutrition. I definitely think access to these services contribute greatly to both my physical and mental preparation before big competitions, and always have.
VIS: What’s next on the horizon for Isis “Lightning Bolt” Holt?
IH: My next major competition probably won’t be until the Tokyo Paralympics in 2020, but between now and then I have year 12 to complete at school, Brunswick Secondary College, which will be the mainfocus for the next year.
