Olympic legend Jessica Ennis-Hill loved sweeping rivals aside but there is one challenge that is even better at keeping her on her toes – parenting.
The Team GB superstar added that she suffered “mum guilt” as she balanced family life with being the world’s No1 heptathlete.
Dame Jess, 34, tells the Sunday Mirror: “I think that has been my biggest challenge.
"When you’re a sportsperson life is structured, you work to a plan and can control your environment.
"When your baby comes along it’s a whirlwind and you can’t control everything.”
Jess won gold at London 2012.
After having Reggie, now five, she won silver at the 2016 Rio Games and was world champ – for the third time – in 2015.
Jess – also mum to Olivia, two – found out how tough it was to juggle motherhood and sport.
Speaking at the Virtual Baby Show, she explains: “I’m always consumed with worry and wondering if they’re happy, healthy and feel loved.
"Most women worry ‘Will I be able to have a baby?
"Is it all going to go the way I’ve planned’? So having my son and then to go back to competing – followed by having my daughter afterwards – was just incredible.
"I feel so fortunate to have two amazing children in my life.
“I wanted to go back to competing and training for two years. I had no idea how challenging it would be. My body had changed.
“Then you have that mum guilt. It was tough, but I was able to win a world gold and silver in Rio.
“It was the best decision I made. Yet the nicest part was Reggie came to every training session and saw Mummy win those medals. It was a very rewarding time.”
Sheffield lass Jess and husband Andy Hill don’t plan to have more children. She adds: “I look at
the pregnancy pictures and I feel emotional.
So really cherish those moments because they absolutely fly by so quickly.”
