Pawlett’s harrowing opening event put her in the spotlight, but it was her response that shed light on her potential for the future.
The Welsh athlete says she is happy to “overcome the psychological block” of having set a new personal best (PB) in the high jump for the first time in six years.
“It was bittersweet,” Pawlett said. “Disbelief was the first kind of emotion I felt after falling over the obstacles.
“Jade [O’Dowda] and kat [Johnson-Thompson] “He came up to me after the obstacles and protected me from the cameras, which I really appreciated.”
The Chester-born athlete added: “My first worry was that my mum and dad would be sitting in front of the TV watching TV and I wouldn’t be able to text them to tell them I’m fine.
“I hope the high jump proves that I’m okay, it was the first time since I was 16 that I achieved a personal best in the event.”
Despite her frustration at having to withdraw from the final two events of the competition, Pawlett says she was glad to leave Tokyo with something to show for her efforts.
“I would have flown to Tokyo just for that high jump PB.
“If I hadn’t fallen, would I have surpassed 1.80 m? Would I have had that anger and that desire to get something out of it? I don’t know.
“At least now I have proven to myself that I have because spending six years in PB takes a psychological toll.
“I’ve proven to myself that I’m physically capable and can handle it now.”