EUROPEAN heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis is gearing up for the Olympics and looking forward to her first outdoor event of the season at next month’s Powerade Great CityGames in Manchester.
It’s a great city to be in, it’s a great level of competition and it attracts a great crowd
Ennis was at the Arndale Centre to promote the event, which will take place on Deansgate on May 20. The former world champion spoke about her preparations for this summer’s Olympic Games and offered a few words of advice to some up and coming athletes.
The Great CityGames will feature a number of Olympics hopefuls and take place on a purpose built track in the city centre.
Ennis said: “It something that’s just so different from a normal athletics competition. It’s not in an arena, it’s out in the city centre. It’s a great city to be in, it’s a great level of competition and it attracts a great crowd.
“I have my first heptathlon at the end of May so this is a great opportunity for me to come and race against some of the top hurdlers in the world. It’s a huge year and I’m training as hard as I can to get into great shape for the Olympics.”
Ennis addresses the media
Ennis will be running in the 100m hurdles where she faces stiff opposition from the reigning Olympic champion, Dawn Harper.
Ennis said: “Hurdles is one of my favourite events within the heptathlon so to come here and run a good time will definitely give me some confidence going into the rest of season.
“All the athletes are trying extremely hard. It’s one of the first competitions of the year and we’re wanting to produce great performances. Hopefully you’ll be able to see some really special runs. And it’s all in the city centre which is great.”
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Looking ahead to the London Games, she added: “First and foremost I’m training and training so I can be in the best shape in the summer. Hopefully I can run well in May and then fingers crossed for the Olympics.”
The Powerade Great CityGames will take place at 3pm on May 20 and are free to spectate.
Ennis looks on as the young athletes show off their skills
She even has time for a few autographs
