Jessica Ennis-Hill retires from athletics in one of her ‘toughest decisions’

Track and field icon Jessica Ennis-Hill, who won heptathlon gold for Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics, has retired from athletics.

The 30-year-old had hinted at retirement after winning a silver medal at the Rio Olympic Games in August. 

But in an Instagram post on Thursday morning Ennis-Hill – also a double world champion – confirmed her decision, saying it was, ‘one of the toughest I’ve had to make’.

Jessica Ennis-Hill celebrates with her gold medal after winning the heptathlon at London 2012

Ennis-Hill enjoys winning gold after finishing the 800 metres race at the Olympic Stadium

Iconic figure Ennis-Hill stands proud with the British flag after her victory on August 4, 2012

In an Instagram post on Thursday morning Ennis-Hill confirmed that she would retire

Fellow heptathlon star Katarina Johnson-Thompson has commented on the announcement

Alongside five photographs, she wrote the caption: ‘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.’   

Ennis-Hill missed out on retaining her Olympic title in Rio de Janeiro by 35 points to Belgium’s Nafissatou Thiam.

After her silver medal this summer she said she would not rush a decision over ending her career. 

‘We’ve known for a long time this day was coming,’ Toni Minichello was quoted as saying by the blog coachtorio.com on Thursday, which follows Ennis-Hill and her team.

‘Many sports people hold on too long. Jess has managed to avoid walking out of the stadium after failing a qualifying round. 

‘She’s walking out of the stadium by stepping off the podium. She’s one of our sporting greats. It seems fitting this way.’

The 30-year-old came up just short in Rio as she tried to follow her gold from London 2012

Ennis-Hill holds her silver medal at Heathrow Airport on her return to London in August

British Athletics performance director Neil Black also gave a heartfelt statement shortly after Ennis-Hill made her announcement on Thursday morning.

‘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

‘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.

Ennis-Hill celebrates clearing the bar during the heptathlon high jump event in Brazil

Ennis-Hill splashes down with a 6.34m leap at the heptathlon high jump during Rio 2016

‘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 English heptathlon star Katarina Johnson-Thompson, 23, posted a Twitter picture of herself with Ennis-Hill on the track, alongside the words: ‘A sad day for athletics! A real inspiration to me and so many others. Well done on a incredible career @J_Ennis.’

Ex-footballer Gary Lineker congratulated Ennis-Hill on her career after her decision to retire