Jessica Ennis

Coach dispute 'will not harm Ennis'

Peter Eriksson insists Jessica Ennis won't be "punished" after her coach Toni Minichiello to severed his ties with the governing body.

Lack of respect angers Ennis coach

The coach of Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis insists a lack of respect, not money, has led to him severing ties with UK Athletics.

Don Valley stadium under threat

Jessica Ennis has no plans to leave Sheffield even if the city's Don Valley Stadium is demolished, according to her coach Toni Minichiello.

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Freedom of the city for Jess

Jessica Ennis with the the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Credit: Dean Hodson – Image Factory

Olympic heptathlon and gold medallist Jessica Ennis has been honoured with the Freedom of the City in her home city of Sheffield. A private reception for Jessica and invited guests took place at Sheffield Town Hall where she officially signed the scroll granting her the honour.

Jessica, who was welcomed home from the Olympics with a huge civic reception attended by thousands in the summer, attended a more intimate function to officially mark her becoming a Freeman of Sheffield. Presenting the award, the Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr John Councillor Campbell said:

"Becoming a Freeman of Sheffield is the highest civic honour we can display and Jessica truly deserves it. Jessica is an amazing sportswoman, with incredible success and worldwide appeal. She continues to inspire young people here in the city."

A proud Jessica with the scroll Credit: Dean Hodson – Image Factory

Jessica said:

“Winning the Olympics in Britain has exceeded everything I could have ever wished for and the reception I have received from my home city has been unbelievable. Being Olympic Champion is the best feeling ever and as an athlete the ultimate achievement. "

"I have to say a big thank you to the people of Sheffield who have believed in me and backed me over the years. To become a Freeman of Sheffield is the biggest civic honour anyone can get and I’m so proud to receive it.”

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Council: Stadium closure 'one of bigger options on table'

Recently, Sheffield City Council said of proposals to close Don Valley Stadium:

These are extraordinarily difficult times and we have said that we will have to look at tough budget options because of the devastating Government cuts to public spending and local government.

We have said all along that we have to consider all options and Don Valley Stadium is one of the bigger options on the table.

I want to make it clear that no decisions have been made and when we are in a position to confirm our spending decisions we will do so.

– Cllr Bryan Lodge, Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources

A decision on the future of the stadium will be made later today.

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Council considers Don Valley stadium closure

Sheffield City Council is due to make a decision over the closure of Don Valley stadium today.

The council has said that it faces £50m in cuts as a result of government budget reductions and cannot afford to subsidise the stadium which cost £700,000 per year to run.

Councillors are considering a plan to demolish Don Valley and reopen the nearby Woodbourn athletics stadium.

Olympic champion Jessica Ennis was discovered at Don Valley stadium
Olympic champion Jessica Ennis was discovered at Don Valley stadium. Credit: Mike Egerton/EMPICS Sport

Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis has appealed for the stadium to remain open, saying its closure "would be a huge shame".

Read: Ennis appeals against Don Valley Stadium closure

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Ennis coach: Losing 'iconic' stadium would be a shame

Jessica Ennis' coach Toni Minichiello has joined the athlete in appealing against the closure of Sheffield's Don Valley stadium.

He told Sky News:

It is an iconic stadium and its a place that has inspired youngsters and none more so than Jessica Ennis.

It is a fantastic facility and it is an incredible shame to lose something like this from the sporting map.

Having taken the youngsters all the way through to Olympic gold you see that this actually can be done in Sheffield.

Why, if you can have one Jessica Ennis, can you not have two or three?

That opportunity all of a sudden looked to be there and now it's going to be taken away from a whole new generation of youngsters."

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Ennis appeals against Don Valley Stadium closure

Olympic champion Jessica Ennis has made a last-ditch appeal to save the stadium where she was discovered as a teenager and still trains.

Councillors are expected to approve the closure of the Don Valley Stadium at a meeting later today.

Ennis said: "I've got some amazing memories, starting my athletic career there and having that iconic stadium in my home city is incredible.

Jessica Ennis after she received her Commander of the British Empire medal on Thursday.

"To lose that would be such a shame for future athletes coming through, so I hope that the right decision's made and we can find a way to keep it."

The Don Valley stadium in Sheffied was opened in 1991
The Don Valley stadium in Sheffied was opened in 1991 Credit: Press Association
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Olympic heroes arrive at Buckingham Palace

Olympic gold medallists Jessica Ennis, Nicola Adams and Greg Rutherford have arrived at Buckingham Palace to receive their honours.

Jessica Ennis
London 2012 poster girl Jessica Ennis is collecting her CBE. Credit: ITV News
Nicola Adams
Nicola Adams (right), the first woman to win an Olympic gold boxing title, is receiving an MBE. Credit: ITV News
Greg Rutherford
Long jumper Greg Rutherford (right) picks up his MBE. Credit: ITV News

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Ennis will not compete indoors this year

Sheffield's Olympic heptathlon champion Jess Ennis will not compete indoors in 2013 as she focuses her attention on the World Championships in Moscow this summer.

"After the incredible high of the Olympics and the post Games celebrations I went back into tough winter training with an open mind on whether or not I would want to compete indoors this year.

"Training has been going well, but I feel that my focus really has to be attempting to win another world title in Russia this summer and not the short term indoor season."

– Jessica Ennis

"Jess is a very mature and seasoned athlete who is focused on performing at her best in major championships. We 100 per cent support her decision in this respect, and look forward to seeing her in action later this year in the build up to the World Championships in Moscow."

– Peter Eriksson, Head Coach

Ennis' first competition of 2013 is likely to be the Edinburgh Women's League on June 8 and her first heptathlon in Tallinn, Estonia at the end June.

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