Dubai: British former middle distance runner Dame Kelly Holmes has “no doubt” compatriot and 2012 heptathlon Olympic gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill can return to form in 2015 after the birth of her first child.
Ennis-Hill gave birth to son Reggie last July and is said to be “using this year to relearn, explore, and get back to a competent level” ahead of next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, according to her coach Neil Black.
The 28-year-old will face stiff competition from 22-year-old compatriot Katarina Johnson-Thompson ahead of August’s Athletics World Championships in Beijing, but Holmes says Ennis-Hill can get back to her best — using long-distance runner Jo Pavey as an example.
Pavey — an “inspiration who has shown women there’s no barrier” according to Holmes — won last year’s European Championship 10,000-metre gold medal ten months after giving birth to her second child, becoming the oldest female European champion in history at the age of 40 years and 325 days.
And, although the heptathlon requires quicker bursts of energy over the endurance of long-distance running, Holmes tipped Ennis-Hill to bounce back.
“It’s a different sport altogether, heptathlon and long distance running,” said Holmes, speaking on the sidelines of Daman’s launch of TrainDubai — an initiative to make local sports facilities free for public use — at Dubai Autodrome on Wednesday.
“It’s been well documented that females of a certain age, after having kids, come back with more endurance, and Jo has proved that.
“Jessica’s seven events involve lots of jumping and impact, but she’s a phenomenal athlete, very fit and strong. If she’s got the mind to do it I have no doubt she will come back and be at the top again.”
Holmes, who won double gold in the 800-metres and 1500-metres at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, added that British athletics would continue to shine in Rio de Janeiro.
“UK Sports’ ambition is to beat the London medals tally, and the funding and financial backing is certainly still there. Because of the exposure of 2012, the public will want to see their heroes perform again and all sports will be vying to get as many medals as possible because, after 2016, if they don’t, they wont get future funding.
“A year out from the Olympics, this year is going to be quite pertinent for those coming through, who’s looking like they can make the transition, make that journey and those who have stayed in from 2012.
“Jess Ennis and Mo Farah are the two from 2012, but we need a few more youngsters to come through and set the track alight a little bit. I could list a million names, but one season to the next it doesn’t mean anything, you are only as good as your last performance.
“Let’s see who comes out in the indoor season, which is again only a judge as you can’t compare it to outdoor. Only when the outdoor season starts will we see who’s looking good.”
