Jessica Ennis-Hill hailed as ‘phenomenal’ after retirement announcement
Thursday 13 October 2016 14:07, UK
Jessica Ennis-Hill's career has been hailed as "phenomenal" by British Athletics performance director Neil Black after she announced her retirement.
The 30-year-old revealed her decision to retire from athletics on Thursday after a remarkable career which saw the two-time world champion become an Olympic gold medallist at the London Games in 2012.
Black has led the tributes to Ennis-Hill and thanked her for her contribution to Team GB, with fellow athletes and other sporting personalities also congratulating her on her career.
"I know it will have been incredibly difficult for Jess, but I am pleased for her that she has been able to make the decision and can now look forward to a much deserved retirement," Black said.
"The entire performance team of coaches, athletes and support staff will miss her at events. Not only has she competed at the highest level, but she has been a warm and positive presence within the GB team and a great example to the younger team members.
"Her record as an athlete is phenomenal and that's without considering the challenges of returning from pregnancy to win World gold and Olympic silver.
"I'd like to thank her not only for her contribution to the GB team over the years, but additionally for being a great person to work with, know and support."
Fellow heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson also took to her Twitter page, saying: " A sad day for athletics! A real inspiration to me and so many others. Well done on an incredible career @J_Ennis."
Former Olympic heptathlon gold medallist Denise Lewis echoed those sentiments, tweeting: "@J_Ennis You have brought much joy to athletics fans around the world and inspired a generation of girls to follow their dreams. Be happy."
"Congratulations @J_Ennis on an incredible athletics career and best wishes for the future #twitterblades," Ennis-Hill's football team, Sheffield United tweeted.
Double Olympic swimming champion Rebecca Adlington, who retired in 2013, said: "Congratulations @J_Ennis on an incredible career. You are an amazing athlete, role model and an inspiration. Welcome to the retirement club!"
"You're an inspiration to everyone young and old @J_Ennis. It's been a pleasure to be one of your team-mates. Enjoy retirement," Team GB long jumper Greg Rutherford added.
Diver Tom Daley also wished Ennis-Hill well for the future, tweeting: "@J_Ennis congratulations on an amazing career. You'll be awesome in whatever you choose to do next."
Hurdler Dai Greene, added: "Sad that we won't get to see you compete again, such a hero to me and so many other athletes. Enjoy your retirement @J_Ennis."
Former heptathlete Kelly Sotherton was disappointed to see Ennis-Hill retire before the 2017 World Championships but called her a great role model.
"It's sad to hear that @J_Ennis has retired before @London2017. She has achieved the pinnacle of sport & is a fabulous role model for anyone," she tweeted.
"One of the true greats of our sport @J_Ennis hanging up spikes. Truly wish her & family all the best for the future. One of life's winners," said former Olympic sprinter Iwan Thomas, while British long-distance runner Tom Farrell simply tweeted: "Legend. Role Model. Inspirer. Thank you @J_Ennis."
The official Twitter account of Team GB also paid tribute to the Olympic gold medallist, saying: "Congratulations @J_Ennis on an amazing career! Thanks for all the memories!"
