Olympics
The heptathlon is undoubtedly one of the most grueling and testing game of the Olympics. The sheer amount of stamina and talents required to compete in diverse games over seven events and two days takes the strength out of even the toughest. And the constant ups and downs that come with success and disappointment in these diverse events requires the masterful control of emotions and maintenance of composure at all times.Britain’s’ Olympics golden girl and now heptathlon gold medalist Jessica Ennis will know that, and will surely have a ton of inspirational tales to tell about her struggle to most esteemed athletics title. Jessica Ennis sobbed as she crossed the finish line to 800m race, the final event of the heptathlon that determined her claim to gold, and bought around a thunderous applause from the anticipating home crowd.
“My reaction was a mixture of everything,” the described Jessica Ennis. “All the work I have put in, the past disappointments, thinking of my family and all the support I have had but just also to realize that I have achieved one of my greatest goals. You never think you will get there so, when you do, it is overwhelming.”
But the feeling of overcoming all hurdles and finally winning the highest honor in the sports society on the same Olympics day when Britain claimed gold in three other categories finally began to set in with Jessica Ennis as she took victory laps of the track.
“I was so nervous,” Jessica Ennis later said. “My long jump has been up and down all year. I kept thinking: 'Am I going to throw it away doing three no jumps?’ It was a massive relief to have got that right.”
But in the end, Jessica Ennis did all right for herself, earning a national record by posting a total of 6,955 points in the heptathlon. After struggling with her throw at javelin during the world championships last year, Jessica Ennis threw at 47.49m, which marked a personal-record for the British athlete. Jessica Ennis took a cautious approach on the long jump, making a 5.9m leap after watching two athletes from amongst the competition foul before her. But reigning World Champion Tatyana Chernova’s gigantic 6.44m jump forced Jessica Ennis to produce an immediate response. Jessica Ennis struck back with a 6.40m and then 6.48m jump, just 3cm short of her personal-best.
“To have got a solid jump and a PB in the javelin is more than I could have asked for," expressed Jessica Ennis.
By Now, Jessica Ennis was already standing at a 258 point lead against her closest competition and totaled 5,159 points. Jessica Ennis also recorded a landmark in 100m hurdle with a time equal to the Beijing Olympics gold medalist.
Jessica Ennis entered the last event with a 188 point lead and with a 2 minutes, 8.65 seconds record in the 800m she completely stole the heptathlon gold.
“I couldn’t let myself believe it until I crossed the finish line in the 800metres,” stated Jessica Ennis. “There has been so much pressure put on me but I’ve had so much support as well. It’s been a really stressful year. I think everyone expected a gold medal. To complete it is a dream come true. It has been a brilliant couple of days.”
