GLASGOW — Welsh javelin record-holder Freya Jones had four javelins broken when a luggage buggy ran over her equipment during a transit stop in Brunei, forcing her to file an insurance claim and seek replacements with the 2026 Commonwealth Games four months away. Jones, a 32-year-old javelin thrower, was travelling to Australia when the incident occurred at the stopover.

The women's javelin final at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 1, giving Jones a limited window to secure and prepare with new equipment. Each javelin costs between £700 and £1,200, placing the total estimated value of the four broken implements at up to £4,800.

Jones is now working through the insurance process and is also looking for additional support to cover the cost of replacements.

"With my entire focus on making the team for the Commonwealth Games, this couldn't have come at a more devastating moment," Jones said. "To have all of my javelins damaged at this point in the season is incredibly tough. They're not only expensive, but they're such a personal part of what we do as throwers."

"They're not just equipment, they're imprinted to you in a way. I've had one of these for years and it makes me so sad I'll never throw it again," Jones said.

Jones holds the Welsh national record in the javelin and won the British javelin championship in 2020. In 2025, she finished as runner-up at the UK Championships for a fourth time, recording a new personal best throw of 56.53 metres. She is ranked 35th in Europe in the event and is also targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

No statement was available from the airline or the baggage handlers involved in the incident at the time of publication.