Ennis: I can wait for world records
WORLD champion Jessica Ennis insists she is thinking about herself and herself alone as she prepares to make her long-awaited outdoor return next month.
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a golden start to 2010, claiming the world indoor pentathlon title in March to add to the world heptathlon crown she won last summer.
Ennis is now targeting a first summer outing at the Yorkshire County AA Track and Field Championships on 9 May but has been challenged ahead of that by rival Nataliya Dobrynska.
The Ukrainian, who finished behind the Briton in silver medal position at the World Indoor Champs in Doha, has her sights set on Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s 22-year-old world record of 7,291 points this summer.
But London 2012 gold medal hope Ennis insists she is not thinking about that or her heptathlon rival.
“I think it is nice to say you are in world record shape but I think realistically 7,290 is a big, big ask,” said Ennis, speaking at the launch of the Aviva Elevating Athletics initiative.
“I think if I am being realistic I would say, ‘I know I am in great shape’ and I’d hope to beat my own personal best and get close to the British record and to 7,000 points. But I think the world record is a big one.
“I am pleased with the shape I am in at the minute, training is good, my running sessions and times have been going well. I feel in good shape and feel ready to compete again.”
Ennis has also pencilled in Manchester’s Great City Games for her return, where she will go head-to-head with Olympic 400m champion Christine Ohuruogu in a one-off 150m duel on May 16.
The Sheffield athlete has no experience of facing fellow British golden girl Ohuruogu and is refusing to make any bold predictions ahead of their maiden meeting on the streets of Manchester.
“I don’t think I have ever raced Christine before so I am looking forward to it,” she added.
“I don’t know whether it is more suited to me because Christine has run a very quick time for the 200m and is slightly quicker than me over 200m. She has obviously got the strength over 400m as well so it’s going to be tough. I am not making any predictions – I will just see how it goes.”
Jess Ennis is launching the Aviva Elevating Athletics Fund. Aviva are offering schools the chance to win £10,000 for sports facilities and make-over plus ten further schools an elite athlete PE lesson. To enter visit aviva.co.uk/athletics