British heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill (© Getty Images)
Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill is expecting her first child and will forego the 2014 season.
The 27-year-old, who got married last year, had intended to compete at this year’s IAAF World Indoor Championships as well as the Commonwealth Games. Naturally, her baby will now become her immediate focus, but she hopes to return to defend her Olympic title in 2016.
“I have some very unexpected but exciting news to share – Andy and I are expecting a baby,” she said in a statement.
“We are completely overwhelmed, with excitement and a degree of anxiety that I am sure all first-time parents will relate to.
“My plans for 2014 have been completely turned upside down, but having had a couple of weeks to think about things from a career point of view I am 100% set on returning to full time athletics once our baby is born and go for a second gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 – that challenge really excites me.
“But in the short term I will make our baby a priority and enjoy the whole experience as much as possible.
“I am sorry I won’t be in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, but I know it will be an amazing occasion. I will be at home awaiting the arrival of a little Ennis-Hill.”
IAAF
