Jessica Ennis-Hill has announced her retirement from athletics.
The English 30-year-old won Olympic gold in the heptathlon at London 2012 and silver at Rio 2016, and is a two-time world champion.
Ennis-Hill released a statement on her Instagram account saying it was “one of the toughest decisions” she has faced but “retiring now is right”.
Amazing memories…from my first world title in Berlin 2009 to Rio 2016 I'm so fortunate to have had such an amazing career within the sport I love and this has been one of the toughest decisions I've had to make. But I know that retiring now is right. I've always said I want to leave my sport on a high and have no regrets and I can truly say that. I want to thank my family and incredible team who have spent so much of their time supporting me and enabling me to achieve my dreams. Also a huge thank you to all those people who have supported and followed my career over the years x
A photo posted by Jessica Ennis-Hill (@jessicaennishill) on
She wrote on Instagram: “Amazing memories…from my first world title in Berlin 2009 to Rio 2016 I’m so fortunate to have had such an amazing career within the sport I love and this has been one of the toughest decisions I’ve had to make.
“But I know that retiring now is right. I’ve always said I want to leave my sport on a high and have no regrets and I can truly say that.
“I want to thank my family and incredible team who have spent so much of their time supporting me and enabling me to achieve my dreams. Also a huge thank you to all those people who have supported and followed my career over the years x.”
And after an incredible career in athletics – winning heptathlon gold in 2012 and silver at Rio 2016 – the sporting world has responded as you would expect…
@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 â¤ï¸
— Denise Lewis (@RealDeniseLewis) October 13, 2016
Congratulations @J_Ennis on an incredible career. You are an amazing athlete, role model and an inspiration. Welcome to the retirement club!
— Becky Adlington (@BeckAdlington) October 13, 2016
Proud of ya @J_Ennis .. Unbelievable career and a fantastic role model for everyone .. #SheffieldSteel
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 13, 2016
An incredible athlete & role model to many. Congratulations @J_Ennis on a wonderful career. Good luck in your next advenutre! #RoleModel https://t.co/aPOXvKJMfX
— Mark Sampson (@Mark_Sampson) October 13, 2016
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 xx
— Greg Rutherford (@GregJRutherford) October 13, 2016
Happy retirement to @J_Ennis You've left an eternal legacy, inspired millions & captured the nations heart. An exceptional woman. #hero
— K Richardson-Walsh (@katewalsh11) October 13, 2016
@J_Ennis congratulations on an amazing career. You'll be awesome in whatever you choose to do next 🙂 â¤ï¸
— Tom Daley (@TomDaley1994) October 13, 2016
Congratulations at the end of a truly spectacular career, @J_Ennis and good luck with your retirement. One of our sporting greats!
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 13, 2016
A sad day for athletics! A real inspiration to me and so many others. Well done on a incredible career @J_Ennis ðð½ pic.twitter.com/0k4omB9dA7
— KJT (@JohnsonThompson) October 13, 2016
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 https://t.co/LmqdnMvPGN
— Dai Greene (@DaiGreene) October 13, 2016
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
— Kelly Sotherton (@KellySotherton) October 13, 2016
Congratulations @J_Ennis on your career ðð½ðð½ good luck with the next chapter! pic.twitter.com/TeV7tK3cZ4
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 13, 2016
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 X
— Iwan Thomas MBE (@Iwanrunner) October 13, 2016
Legend
Role Model
Inspirer
Thank you @J_Ennis— Tom Farrell (@TomFarrellGB) October 13, 2016
Good luck for your future @J_Ennis https://t.co/mzO8VAqRfH
— Sally gunnell (@SallyGunnell) October 13, 2016
We will never forget #SuperSaturday
What a brilliant athlete @J_Ennis pic.twitter.com/weCru8oSXB— Dean Ashton (@Dean36ashton10) October 13, 2016
Sheffield-born Ennis-Hill did hint about retirement immediately after coming second to Belgium’s Nafissatou Thiam in Brazil.
She told the BBC at the time: “It’s going to be a tough decision, I’m going to go away and think about it. At this moment, I’m tired and emotional, it’s a big decision.”
Ennis-Hill’s senior breakthrough came in 2006 when she won bronze at her only Commonwealth Games – finishing behind winner and team-mate Kelly Sotherton – while she also won gold at the 2010 European Championships and the World Indoor Pentathlon title the same year.
The victories were part of her dominance of the sport between 2009 and 2012 ahead of glory at London 2012. She took time out to have son Reggie, missing the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and returned in July 2014, winning the World Athletics Championships in Beijing last year before silver medal success at Rio.
