Jessica Ennis-Hill 'did herself justice' at Rio Olympics, says Louise Hazel
Tuesday 16 August 2016 14:42, UK
Jessica Ennis-Hill can be proud of her performance at the 2016 Olympics, according to former Commonwealth heptathlon champion Louise Hazel.
The London 2012 gold medallist had to settle for silver in Rio after an incredible display by Belgium's Nafissatou Thiam, who set five personal bests across the seven events to edge Ennis-Hill to gold by 35 points.
"Jess went out there and did herself justice," Hazel told Tuesday's Sportswomen show on Sky Sports News HQ.
"For any heptathlete to reach the pinnacle and get an Olympic gold medal is a huge achievement and to attempt that twice is extremely brave.
"She took time out after London 2012 to have baby Reggie - which was a huge decision - and at that point I think in her mind she probably thought anything was a bonus. That said, having a baby and coming back for Rio I think was always party of her plan.
"Her javelin was really solid, her long jump was great and she finished - as always - with a really gutsy performance in the 800m, so she should be proud of silver.
"To have achieved that after having a baby was outstanding."
Ennis-Hill told Sky Sports News HQ at the weekend that she faces a 'big decision' over her future having been involved in athletics since the age of 10.
And Hazel hopes Ennis-Hill will attempt to become a three-time world champion at the 2017 championships in London, but can understand why the 30-year-old is pondering her future.
"I roomed with her back in 2009 and one thing I can tell you is that Jess is extremely focused." Hazel said.
"Once she sets her mind to something she will go out there and achieve it and she knows sacrifice like nobody else. She couldn't make the 2008 Olympics because of injury but she came back and won gold at her first Olympics which was incredible.
"There is no doubt in my mind that this is a period of real reflection for her. She got her Olympic gold medal and did what she came to do in the sport. She's now got an Olympic silver but that must be a little niggle in the back of her head where she is asking herself: 'What more have I got to give?'"
