Thank you, Jess
From first appearing in the pages of Athletics Weekly magazine aged 13 after she placed 10th in the high jump at the 1999 English Schools to becoming an Olympic and two-time world gold medallist, Jessica Ennis-Hill has had quite some career.
Also a star for her demeanour off the track, the heptathlete has inspired and been a role model to many. Following news of her retirement, the sporting world took to Twitter to post messages of thanks and share memories. Here's just a few from the athletics community.
"One of the finest track and field stars Britain has ever seen. @J_Ennis you will be missed on the track but I know you will not be far away" - Lord Sebastian Coe (@sebcoe)
"A sad day for athletics! A real inspiration to me and so many others. Well done on a incredible career @J_Ennis" - Katarina Johnson-Thompson (@JohnsonThompson)
A sad day for athletics! A real inspiration to me and so many others. Well done on a incredible career @J_Ennis ?? pic.twitter.com/0k4omB9dA7
— KJT (@JohnsonThompson) October 13, 2016
"You're an inspiration to everyone young and old @J_Ennis. It's been a pleasure to be one of your team mates. Enjoy retirement xx" - Greg Rutherford (@GregJRutherford)
"You've been a truly amazing athlete & will be greatly missed on team. Congratulations on an incredible career. Super role model. x" - Jo Pavey (@jopavey)
"It's sad to hear that @J_Ennis has retired before @London2017. She has achieved the pinnacle of sport & is a fabulous role model for anyone" - Kelly Sotherton (@KellySotherton)
Enjoyed being part of your journey at the beginning @J_Ennis. pic.twitter.com/4n4l4Hjf2e
— Kelly Sotherton (@KellySotherton) October 13, 2016
"True inspiration, thank you for so many amazing performances & memories you given us over the years #goldengirl @J_Ennis #legend #champion" - Richard Kilty (@RKilty1)
"Such an incredible and powerful career! You were/are a huge inspiration to me! Wishing you all the best in all that is coming! @J_Ennis" - Dafne Schippers (@dafneschippers)
"Just want to wish the legend that is @J_Ennis a happy retirement. A true inspiration and proud to of been team mates. Enjoy the biscuits x" - Andy Turner (@andyturner110h)
Just want to wish the legend that is @J_Ennis a happy retirement. A true inspiration and proud to of been team mates. Enjoy the biscuits x pic.twitter.com/EhkThR4Yjp
— Andy Turner MP Pro (@andyturner110h) October 14, 2016
"If I can retire from athletics having had even the tiniest amount of success that @J_Ennis has I will retire a happy athlete! #inspired" - Tom Bosworth (@TomBosworth)
"Sad to hear that @J_Ennis is retiring. Such an amazing athlete and one of my role models. Good luck with everything in the future #legend" - Emily Diamond (@EmilyDiamond11)
"Such a big inspiration for me and many others. Congrats on an amazing career and wishing you all the best in your 'new' life! @J_Ennis" - Nadine Broersen (@NadineBroersen)
Such a big inspiration for me and many others.
Congrats on an amazing career and wishing you all the best in your 'new' life! @J_Ennis pic.twitter.com/PHVh5M4CjJ— Nadine Broersen (@NadineBroersen) October 13, 2016
"It's a sad day for track as our Queen @J_Ennis retires. Was a real privilege to see her and her team in action these last few years. Legend!" - Adam Gemili (@Adam_Gemili)
"One of the true greats of our sport @J_Ennis hanging up spikes..Truly wish her & family all the best for the future..One of life's winners X" - Iwan Thomas (@Iwanrunner)
"Sad day for athletics/heptathlon but thank you for being such an inspiration, and congratulations for an amazing career" - Morgan Lake (@morgan_a_lake)
And in true Ennis-Hill style, she sent a reply...
Wish I could thank you all individually for your kind words 'Overwhelmed' isn't a strong enough word!Thank you it really does mean so muchx
— Jessica Ennis-Hill (@J_Ennis) October 14, 2016
» For much more on the remarkable career of Jessica Ennis-Hill, see the October 20 edition of Athletics Weekly magazine
