Athletics

Subterms

    Latest story

    188 Shares48 Views

    Who is Daley Thompson’s first wife Patricia Quinlan and how many children did they have?

    by

    DALEY Thompson was once notorious for his womanising, before he went on to marry his childhood sweetheart Patricia Quinlan.She is sure to be watching when the Olympic decathlon legend heads into the Celebrity Big Brother house, with the new series kicking off on April 7, 2025.Daley Thompson and his first wife Patricia Quinlan pictured on their wedding day in 1987Credit: RexHere they are seen a year after tying the knot, pictured with their first baby togetherCredit: RexDaley Thompson is featuring on Celebrity Big Brother (CBB) 2025.During his athletics career, the British decathlete broke the world record four times — and it seems he’s ready for a new challenge.A source told The Sun how 66-year-old Daley’s non-woke opinions could raise a few eyebrows among CBB viewers.The TV insider said: “Daley is notoriously unwoke and likes to be provocative, so it will be interesting to see how he is received by some of the younger housemates.read more on daley thompson”As someone who was at the height of his fame in the Eighties, many of them will barely know who he is — but for a generation of older viewers he’ll be seen as a great signing.”Who is Daley Thompson’s first wife Patricia Quinlan?Daley once joked that “any woman only has to sit on a bed I’ve slept in to get pregnant”.His exes include Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies — they dated in the late 1970s — but he says he doesn’t see her as the “one that got away”. In July 2024, he exclusively told The Sun: “I never really see it like that because we are still close friends.”Most read in Athletics”That’s the real test — the fact we’re still calling each other and I chat to her kids.” In 1987, Daley married his first wife, Patricia “Tish” Quinlan, whom he had known since his school days.Lord Sebastian Coe and Daley Thompson discuss how athletics can be used to tackle knife crime on Run For Your Life But she has largely stayed out of the public eye beyond her connection to Daley. How many kids does Daley Thompson share with Patricia Quinlan?They had three children together: Rachel, 35, Austin, 33, and Elliott, 30.Rachel was born prematurely at just 12 weeks and weighed less than two pounds at birth.But speaking with the Independent in July 2008, Daley described this as “a brilliant experience”.He then qualified: “But not one you’d necessarily want to go through.”Daley Thompson with son his Elliot, who is also a decathleteCredit: Instagram/daleyfitnessukElliott Thompson, the youngest child of Daley and Patricia, has followed in his father’s footsteps and pursued a career in athletics.He became the national decathlon champion at the 2022 British Athletics Championships.On the whole, the Thompson children prefer to keep their personal information out of the public domain, so little else is known about them.Next chapterThe marriage eventually ended in 2001 after Daley began a relationship with Lisa Clayton.Read More on The SunHe had been seeing her for over two years while still married to Tish, with their relationship reportedly starting in 1999.Daley also later had children with Lisa — two boys named Alex and Aaron. More

    More stories

    • 225 Shares76 Views

      in Athletics

      ‘He’d beat me until I was sick’ – Jakob Ingebrigtsen’s troubling first day in court facing his father

      by

      JAKOB INGEBRIGTSEN accused his father of sickening emotional and physical abuse during a harrowing first day in court.The two-time Olympic gold medallist, 24, claims that his father and former coach, Gjert, “controlled” him and his siblings.Jakob Ingrebrigtsen sits alongside his lawyer on day one of the trialCredit: AFPIngrebrigtsen, 24, has made a series of allegations against his fatherCredit: AlamyIngebrigtsen alleges that his father assaulted him several times during his childhood, and that the emotional toll of the abuse has affected him in his adult life.The middle and long-distance runner referred to his father “as the defendant” during day one of the trial – claiming his actions were “not worthy” of being called a father.Gjert, 59, denies the allegations.Recalling getting in trouble at school aged “seven or eight”, Ingebrigtsen told the courtroom in Sandnes, Norway: “I’m just standing in the kitchen and looking down at the ground.READ MORE IN SPORT”The defendant is standing over me and screaming at me. He hits me several times on the top of the head.”I try to protect myself from violence, before he takes my hands and puts them down on my side… to continue hitting me in the head.”I remember freezing and wanting it to be over. I was just paralysed.”On another alleged incident at a hotel, Ingebrigtsen added: “If I didn’t do as he did, he would come and shame me and beat me until I was sick.”Most read in AthleticsGjert Ingebrigtsen, who denies assaulting his children, in a courtroom sketchCredit: APJakob Ingrebrigtsen is a two-time Olympic gold medallistCredit: PAIt was also claimed that Gjert threatened to beat his son “to death” during an argument in a car.Ingebrigtsen has six siblings; Henrik, Filip, Kristoffer, Martin, Ingrid, and William.I was a reality TV star dubbed the ‘cardio Kim Kardashian’ – now I’m making my own way and targeting Olympic goldJakob, Henrik and Filip have gone to become professional athletes, with the family’s journey detailed in the documentary series “Team Ingebrigtsen” between 2016 and 2021.The trio split with their father as coach in 2022, and the following year made allegations against him public.During day one of the trial, Jakob claimed that they decided to do so in order to protect younger sister Ingrid, 19.He said: “The motive is to look after and help her as best we can, and take care of ourselves.”Try to get out of the difficult situations and the lives we have had. I can’t think of any other motives than that.”‘SABOTAGE’Ingebrigtsen claimed that he had witnessed Ingrid being struck in the face with a wet towel in 2022 for not wanting to become a professional athlete like her older brothers.It was alleged that Gjert threatened to “sabotage” his sons careers when they split with him as coach three years ago.Asked about the toll of his father’s behaviour by the prosecutor, Ingebrigtsen said: “I definitely think it affected the way I was able to be a child.”I always looked over my shoulder and thought about the possible consequences of what I did.When I got a girlfriend and wife, it was difficult to have a life togetherJakob Ingebrigtsen”As a teenager, I realised that the less I did, the safer I was. I became very conscious about showing emotions and ended up not doing it. To protect myself.”I now struggle a lot with letting people in and trusting me. When I got a girlfriend and wife, it was difficult to have a life together.”You have to show feelings and be there for each other. Be a person who contributes to the family. It’s difficult when I’ve lived a life with a lot of stress.”Ingebrigtsen is married to childhood sweetheart Elisabeth Asserson.When they wanted to move in together aged 18, Jakob claims that his father called them “terrorists”.Gjert did not attend their wedding in 2023, although their mother Tone was present.’CHARACTERISED BY FEAR’On how he was raised, Ingebrigtsen said: “My upbringing was very much characterised by fear.”Everything was controlled and decided for me. There was an enormous amount of manipulation.”As a teenager I felt I had no free will or say in anything.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe trial is expected to last around two months.Gjert is scheduled to give evidence next week. More

    • 213 Shares123 Views

      in Athletics

      BBC reporter comforts British sprinter as he chokes back tears in live TV interview after winning gold

      by

      SPEED KING Jeremiah Azu was close to tears as he became Britain’s 13th male world champion indoors.Thirteen days after he won gold at the Europeans, the Welshman sprinted to glory over 60 metres on day one of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Nanjing.Jermiah Azu gave an emotional victory to the BBCAzu, 23, had just produced an incredible performanceInitially it flashed up that he was second behind Australian Lachlan Kennedy in a dramatic photo finish.But then the scoreboard placed him first, thanks to his late dip, as he equalled his personal best time of 6.49 seconds, which had been set in Apeldoorn earlier this month.Holland-born Azu ran around the track in celebration and then spoke about his emotions during a whirlwind few weeks that had also seen him become a father for the first time.The 23-year-old – who won by a margin of 0.01 seconds from Kennedy – said: “I knew I could win it.READ MORE IN SPORT“It’s history to be a European and world champion in the same year. I’m excited for the future.“I said at the Europeans, I want to take over the world. This is just the start of our journey.“The plan is to keep on winning. This gives me massive confidence. The sky isn’t the limit – there’s way, way more than that. Let’s see what the summer brings – I’m excited for it.”Azu, who relocated from Italy to Wales after the Paris Olympics, is the fourth British man to win this sprint crown, following Jason Gardener (2004), Dwain Chambers (2010) and Richard Kilty (2014).Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAzu won in a dramatic photo finishCredit: RexThe British star proudly holds up the GB flagCredit: RexHe said: “I was a bit emotional before the final with my coach. The last few years have been very difficult for me and this morning I was thinking about it and reflecting.“It’s so important to surround yourself with people that believe in you and who care about you. If I came last, they would be the same. That’s huge for me.Athlete disqualified for shameful act just centimetres from finish line that sparked fury “It’s been huge to move back to Cardiff. Family is everything to me. I sacrificed that for the last two years.“Being back with my family, having that support team around me, is huge.”They allow me to believe in myself and that’s something you can’t teach. It’s so important to success.”Britain’s 1500 metres runners Georgia Hunter Bell and Neil Gourley, the squad captain, and Amber Anning in the 400 metres all qualified fastest from their respective heats. More

    • 288 Shares161 Views

      in Athletics

      I refused to let horror car crash that took my legs ruin me – now I’m world record holder, says Strictly’s Billy Monger

      by

      “BILLY MONGER . . . you are an Ironman.”Those words are still sinking in for a 25-year-old who has already beaten all odds to become a world-record holder.Billy Monger is a double-amputee after a shocking Formula 4 racing accident weeks before his 18th birthdayCredit: Simon JonesBilly training for the Ironman’s 112-mile bike ride across volcanic terrainCredit: Daniel Loveday/Comic ReliefThat’s a world-record holder in triathlon’s most gruelling event, the Kona Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.A 2.4-mile swim in jellyfish and shark-infested waters.A 112-mile bike ride in treacherous crosswinds across volcanic terrain. Then a marathon, 26.2miles of running.And, in case you hadn’t noticed, Billy is a double-amputee after losing one leg just below the knee and the other above the knee in a shocking Formula 4 racing accident weeks before his 18th birthday.Read more on Billy MongerBut his time of 14 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds smashed the world record for a double amputee by more than TWO HOURS.So was that drive always there, or was it his accident that changed him?Billy, who was raising money for Comic Relief, says: “I remember after my accident being like, ‘I’m the same 17, 18-year-old kid that I always was, wanting to be a Formula One world champion’.“There’s no getting away from it, that does affect things. You do have to grow up quicker.Most read in Athletics“Learning to deal with that adversity all of a sudden, other adversity you face in your life doesn’t seem that daunting.”So the jellyfish stings suffered on the swim are now something you just brush off?Cheryl praises inspirational racer Billy Monger’s fundraising in rare TV appearance“Yeah, well, that is what it is really!”In the brilliant film of his year of training, Billy can even joke with his coaches about sharks not being interested in him as they’d be better off chasing someone with legs.I don’t think Billy looks at things in a “normal” way, but that’s probably because he’s not normal. And that’s far from an insult and nothing to do with him being an amputee.He adds: “Because of the accident, I’m more curious about what I’m still capable of.“I don’t want to go, ‘Oh well, this bad thing happened to me, so I’m just gonna feel negative about it’.‘About to pass out’“If I did that, it’s quite obvious what my life would look like and I didn’t really fancy a piece of that.”Instead, he fancied a piece of Hawaii — not grass-skirts and sunshine but 14-plus hours of endurance racing.He says: “It’s seen to be the hardest Ironman, so looking back, I was a bit nuts for signing up.”Because of the accident, I’m more curious about what I’m still capable ofBillyHe had done only “a bit of doggy-paddle for rehab” and had not run more than 5km without pain before the training started.It is normally a four-year plan for an Ironman. Billy did it in one.His journey before is just as remarkable.Billy had been on the road to F1 as a prodigiously talented and dedicated karting racer before the horror crash at Donington Park in 2017.Billy put in hundreds of hours of trainingCredit: 2024 Comic ReliefBilly in 2017 after his horror crash at Donington ParkCredit: Rex FeaturesBut since then he appeared on Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special, BBC’s Race Across The World and covers F1 for Channel 4.Billy’s previous Comic Relief challenge, a 140-mile walking, kayaking and cycling trip across the UK in 2021, raised £3.2million.But an Ironman? Kona?!“Mad, isn’t it?” he says, reflecting on going from learning to walk as a double amputee to competing in a world championship triathlon. “But one step at a time.”His steps included needing four different sets of prosthetics, “eight spare legs”.Modest as well, he even blushes when you compliment him.But there is such a steely determination in his eyes, perhaps he always knew he would complete it?“No way,” he says. “I feared not getting across that line plenty of times.Get to race day knowing you’ve done all you can. Be the best version of yourself and that’s all that mattersBilly“To train for something like that, you have to shape every decision around your training.”Billy did the vast majority of his hundreds of hours of training alone and stump health was a serious concern, despite having a prosthetics specialist on hand.Put simply, sores and blisters from pressure and rubbing on his legs could put him back in a wheelchair for weeks, meaning no chance of getting to Kona.Even after all the hundreds of hours’ training, there were still doubts during the event.He says: “My body was doing things that I’d never seen it do before. Then you see someone passed out on the side of the road and it just adds to that anticipation.“The shaking, the ‘Am I about to pass out here?’.”But after a year dedicated to helping others, he wasn’t about to quit.He adds: “I didn’t want to let other people down.“The message was, get to race day knowing you’ve done all you can. Be the best version of yourself and that’s all that matters.”Billy barely remembers the moment the PA announcer screamed “You are an Ironman” at the finish, seconds before he collapsed into the hoardings.Fuel for the fire“But he can now watch it back time and time again as he is forever an Ironman. The Iron Monger, if you will.But Billy still doesn’t feel like this challenge is complete as it is all to raise money for Comic Relief and the community projects the charity supports, such as running clubs, food banks and care centres that Billy visited during his epic year.I ask if it has sunk in, what he and his family have achieved?He replies: “In ways it has, but in ways it hasn’t.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Comic Relief and Red Nose Day on Friday was the fuel for the fire, so it feels like the job is only half done.” More

    • 250 Shares161 Views

      in Athletics

      ‘My entire body is poisoned’ – Athlete and daughter of Olympic star, 24, BANNED from competing by doctors after illness

      by

      AN ATHLETE and daughter of an Olympic star has been BANNED from competing by doctors after an illness.Anna Gandler, 24, declared “my entire body is poisoned” after being hospitalised last month.Athlete Anna Gandler claims her ‘body is poisoned’ after being hospitalisedCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerThe Austrian picked up a nasty flu bug during the recent World ChampionshipsCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler is one of the top up-and-coming names in the biathlonCredit: GettyDad Marcus won an Olympic silver for cross-country skiing in 1998Credit: AFPThe Austrian is a top biathlon star, with athletes needing to excel in both cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.Gandler’s father is former Austrian cross-country skier Markus, who was a silver medallist at the Nagano Olympics in 1998.And Gandler was hoping to make a splash at February’s World Championship in Switzerland.However, she fell drastically ill during the tournament and was rushed to hospital.READ MORE IN ATHLETICSMedical checks discovered that her “entire organic system” was “overwhelmed.”A bout of flu put extra pressure on her internal system.But its lack of ability to “regenerate” meant that she ended up in a bad way.And Gandler may now need to miss the rest of the season to heal, putting her biathlon dream on ice.Most read in AthleticsBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSShe revealed: “One of the biggest problems was sleeping, as my body was never able to properly recover. I’ve been struggling with that since June.“I still have to wait for some results, but it looks like my entire organic system isn’t functioning as it should, my liver, for example.Top 10 highest paid sports stars in 2024Gandler is waiting for more tests but the initial ones don’t look promisingCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerShe feels she pushed herself too hard in trainingCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler is now looking to rest and recoverCredit: Instagram @anna_gandler“My entire body is essentially poisoned because it can no longer regenerate itself. It can’t keep up and is overwhelmed.“The main reason was flu. It can take up to three weeks to recover. I quickly felt completely fit, fitter than I’ve been all winter.“Only after an intensive training sesssion, things went completely downhill.“I shed a few tears because it wasn’t a good time. But I’ve been able to come to terms with this inactivity in the last few days.“I have to give myself some rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat little sugar and eat a gluten-free diet.“Other athletes have already cancelled their seasons and had mega seasons the following year. Perhaps this is the miracle cure.”She has changed up her diet in order to get back to her bestCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerGandler hopes a lengthy rest sees her come back strongerCredit: Instagram @anna_gandlerThe ace is set to miss the rest of the season as she recoversCredit: Instagram @anna_gandler More

    • 175 Shares159 Views

      in Athletics

      Tragedy as female triathlon champion dies aged 39 after drowning as tributes pour in

      by

      TRIBUTES have poured in for a female triathlon champion who drowned in a freak accident aged 39.Aninha Zuleica Xavier tragically passed away during a race in her native Brazil on Saturday.Triathlete champion Aninha Zuleica Xavier tragically drowned in a freak accidentCredit: NewsflashThe Brazilian teacher was found unresponsive in the sea on SaturdayCredit: NewsflashTributes have poured in for the mother-of-oneCredit: NewsflashThe ace, a champion in another triathlon last month, had gone into the Atlantic Ocean off Fortaleza with other competitors during the first part of the event.But Xavier was not seen coming back out with the other athletes, leading her team to quickly raise the alarm with organisers.A search quickly began for the mum-of-one, who was married for 15 years and worked as a teacher in her day job.However, rescuers unfortunately found her floating and unresponsive in the sea.READ MORE IN SPORTEfforts were made to revive Xavier but she was declared dead on the way to hospital.Race officials said: “We alerted the Fire Department rescue team, who were out in a boat.“We saw Aninha already responsive at sea. Before the race she passed routine tests with our technical team and the course was well known to her.”Brazilian outlet G1 Globo claims the race began before official lifeguards started their duties on the beach.Most read in AthleticsThey add that rescue officials were not asked to provide support during the event either.Police are understood to be investigating her death.Reports claim there were no lifeguards on duty during the raceCredit: NewsflashPolice are now investigating Xavier’s deathCredit: NewsflashTributes poured in for Xavier after the tragic news emerged.The sports consultancy she was part of, Runners Ceara, said: “Her dedication, sportsmanship and joy left a mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.“In this moment of grief we express our most sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.“May you find comfort in the memories and legacy that Aninha leaves in our community. May her memory remain alive in our hearts.”Event organisers Fetriece added: “In this moment of deep sadness, we would like to express our most sincere condolences.“Her passion for the sport will always be remembered by all of us.”Xavier previously opened up over her love for triathlons.She said: “It seemed impossible, after all, with a crazy routine like mine, with very few resources, and living in the metropolitan region would already be difficult.READ MORE SUN STORIES“There was another significant detail: I didn’t know how to ride a bike. “Thank goodness the impossible is just one of many points of view when faced with any situation.” More

    • 200 Shares199 Views

      in Athletics

      Athlete disqualified for shameful act just centimetres from finish line that sparked fury at U20 Championship

      by

      THE Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit by a shameful act centimetres from the finish line.Guillermo Sanchez was crowned the victor of the 1500m event in Salamanca with a time of 3:54.55.The Spanish Under-20 Indoor Championships were hit with a shocking incidentAthlete’s Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia clashed centimetres from the finish linePalencia was disqualified for pushing Lopez over at the finish line after Lopez crossed his pathCredit: LaLiga+Lopez fell heavily to the floor after the pushHowever, as the 18-year-old raised his hands in triumph, the crowd was left stunned as second and third became embroiled in a stunning act.Athletes Daniel Lopez and Mario Palencia, both 18, were close behind Sanchez when he crossed the line. But as they approached the finish line, Lopez – who was running in second at the time – appeared to veer his path to the right. This change of direction saw him get in the way of Palencia.READ MORE IN SPORTFrustrated by the move across his path, Palencia astonishingly pushed Lopez just centimetres before the pair were set to cross the finish line.This caused Lopez to lose his balance and go tumbling over on to the floor.As reported by Marca, the act was deemed to constitute unsportsmanlike conduct under article RT7.1. Palencia received a red card for the incident and was subsequently disqualified from the race.Most read in AthleticsCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsBut it was not only the finish line push which had been considered, with the pair also clashing during the race.Both race-winner Sanchez, runner-up Lopez and the disqualified Palencia had each won their respective earlier heat to get to the final.Horror moment sprinter is smacked in the head with baton during relay before being treated for potential skull fracture More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Athletics

      Athlete collapses and medics put blue screen around her in terrifying scenes at European Indoor Athletics

      by

      A DUTCH middle-distance runner appeared to be knocked out cold and was stretchered off on the final day of the European Athletics Indoor Championship.Maureen Koster collided with Brit Hannah Nuttall with nine laps left of the women’s 3,000 metres final in Apeldroon.Maureen Koster was knocked unconscious after falling in the Women’s 3000m finalCredit: ReutersShe was later taken away on a stretcherCredit: ReutersNuttall, 27, could hear the European rival scream as she fell to the ground and then hit her head on the blue track.Officials ran over and dragged her into the in-field so that the race could continue.A number of medics were quickly on the scene and held up a blue sheet as they tried to help.Koster – who had the backing of the crowd during the race – was then placed onto a stretcher and taken to a medical facility at the Omnisport Arena.About 20 minutes after the incident, the Netherlands team tweeted that she was “conscious and responsive” after being taken to hospital.They said on X: “Good news. Maureen is conscious and responsive after her fall during the 3,000 metres.”Melissa Courtney-Bryant thought she had won gold for Britain but was pipped down the closing metres by Irishwoman Sarah Healy, who prevailed in a time of 8:52.86.Koster, 32, was competing in the European Indoor Championships for the sixth time.Most read in AthleticsShe won a silver medal on her debut appearance in 2015, which remains her only major medal to date.Innes FitzGerald was one of three British runners in the race and she was behind Koster at the moment when she fell over.Sharlene Mawdsley ‘devastated’ after injury rules her out of European Athletics Indoor ChampionshipsThe 18-year-old from Devon said: “I just saw her on the floor in front of me. I thought I had to get around her and hopefully not be fazed by that.“I didn’t want it to affect my race plan. It was gutting to have her fall, especially in front of a home crowd. I hope she is okay. Very sad that she fell over.”BBC TV cameras missed the fall live as they were showing the women’s high jump, involving Morgan Lake, at the same time.Steve Cram, the lead commentator for the coverage, said: “I really do apologise, we’ve just had a fall in the 3,000m.“It’s Maureen Koster. They might have to stop this. She is unconscious on the track, it looks like.“I’m not sure what’s going to happen here. I am really sorry that we were away from this quite as long as that.“That is a local director’s choice. She has been removed from the track right in front of me.” More

    • 250 Shares179 Views

      in Athletics

      I’ll never forget coach’s reaction to my pregnancy… getting back to top was such a proud moment says Jessica Ennis-Hill

      by

      OLYMPIC golden girl Jessica Ennis-Hill dealt with many a challenge in her career, but one of the toughest was her coach’s chilling reaction when she told him she was pregnant.It was two years after she had won the heptathlon at the London 2012 Games when she broke the news to Toni Minichiello.Jessica Ennis-Hill at the BBC Sports Personality Of The Year Awards last yearCredit: GettyJessica shows off her baby bump in 2014 while pregnant with the first of her two childrenCredit: Getty Images – GettyTrainer Toni Minichiello with Jessica at 2012 GamesCredit: GettyInstead of congratulating her, he instantly began scrolling through competition dates on his laptop to work out the bombshell implications.Jessica, who was made a dame in 2017 on the back of her Team GB Olympic glory, says of her pregnancy by childhood sweetheart Andy: “It was a bit of a surprise, it all happened sooner than we expected. “It was definitely a shock to all of my team.“My coach had this plan, ‘You’re going to do the Commonwealth Games in 2014, and then Worlds, then Olympics’.READ MORE IN SPORTS“I remember going to his house and being like, ‘I’ve got something to tell you — sit down’. “I was so nervous.“I said, ‘So I’m pregnant . . .’ “He was just so shocked. Most read in Athletics“He didn’t know what to say — he just kind of sat there“And then he got his laptop out and started looking at dates. Jessica Ennis-Hill stuns in bold outfit live on BBC for Paris Olympics as fans say ‘how I have missed you’ “He didn’t even say, ‘congratulations’, he was in such a fluster. “He said, ‘When’s he or she going to be born?’“I was sat there like, ‘Congratulations, you know, anything like that would be nice’. “Eventually he said, ‘Congratulations’.”Defining momentMinichiello was later banned from UK Athletics due to allegations of inappropriate behaviour, which he denied.Following the 2022 ruling, Jessica said she was never on the receiving end of any such misbehaviour.But she will never forget his cold response to being told back in 2014 that she was to become a mum at age 28.She adds: “It was quite a challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career.“You do all your career stuff then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.”Jessica was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games as a result.She was then determined to get back to her best, but acknowledged her body had changed, so her coach encouraged her not to ­compare how she was before — and just focus on the comeback.She says: “There’s a mental impact when you’re at the back of the group in training — and you’re the Olympic champion.“I would compare myself to me at my best. “When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near.“Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin throw.She says: “My coach would say, ‘These are your post- pregnancy PBs’ [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after baby Reggie arrived in her life, and initially struggled to rebuild her fitness.’Challenging time’She adds: “It was quite a tricky, challenging time because everyone at that stage thought you don’t start your family during your career, you kind of do all your career stuff and then start your family.“I think that’s since changed. I think a lot of women feel they have the support and policies in place to come back.” But she was forced to withdraw from the 2014 Commonwealth Games — and after she had son Reggie, who is now ten, Minichiello would compare her performances as “before” and “post” pregnancy.She says: “My coach would say ‘These are your post-pregnancy PBs [personal bests].”Jessica returned to training just ten weeks after Reggie arrived, and struggled to rebuild her fitness. She says: “There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic champion.Jessica beams after winning gold in the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Times Newspapers LtdJessica competing in the long jump event during the heptathlon at London 2012Credit: Getty“I would compare myself to me at my best. When I looked at those times, I was nowhere near. “Eventually I did get stronger and those times came back, but I was never the same version I was before — but that was OK because of being a mum.”There’s mental impact when you’re at the back of the group when you’re training — and you’re Olympic championJessica Ennis-HillIt was more than OK, in fact, as just 13 weeks into motherhood she stormed back to win the 2015 World Championships in Beijing — then Olympic silver a year later in Rio de Janeiro.Jessica, who would retire the following year, now admits it was crazy trying to achieve again what she had done before her pregnancy.She says: “I thought, ‘What am I doing? What am I training for? This is hard’.“Your body changes so much. “It’s the hormones that go through your body for months after, the relaxing, that makes all your ligaments relax.“So my Achilles were loose and that’s not great when you’re trying to be this coil that needs to jump as high and far as you can.“I couldn’t train like I did before 2012.”But she made it her mission to return to the top of her sport — and soon revelled in the challenge.She says: “That journey was the hardest and the best — that feeling of beating the rest of the world, and those who doubted me, was the best.Greatest achievers“Your body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the Olympics.”While Jessica didn’t get a second Olympic gold, she wouldn’t change a thing.She says: “I was incredibly proud of what my body was able to achieve post-natally. “And having my son was the best thing ever. “But I might just get my silver one sprayed gold!”Jessica and Andy went on to have their second child Olivia in 2017 and she is now retired.When she married construction site manager Andy 12 years ago, she was already a national treasure.Her Olympic heroics at age 26 in front of an expectant home nation had capped an already stellar rise in the heptathlon — comprising the 200 and 800 metres, 100-metre hurdles, high and long jumps, shot put and javelin.In 2009, the Sheffield-born star won gold at the World Championships in Berlin and, in 2010, gold in the World Indoor Championships in Qatari ­capital Doha, plus the European Championships in Barcelona.In 2011, she claimed silver at the World Championships in South Korea and, five years later, that was upgraded to gold after Russian star Tatyana Chernova was found to have been doping.After silver at the 2012 World Indoor Championships in Istanbul, there then followed her defining moment atop the podium in London.Today, Jessica says she still gets competitive when she laces up her running shoes. Now aged 39, she adds: “I have done parkruns a few times — my husband was doing it quite a bit at one stage.“I still don’t want to get beaten, especially by someone with a buggy!”After retiring and being ennobled in the 2017 New Year Honours, Jessica won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award that year. She has also launched her own post-natal exercise advice app, become a patron of Sheffield Children’s Hospital and is a TV sports pundit. Oh, and she is launching her own podcast, Gold Minds, where she will chat to some of the world’s greatest achievers about how they overcame real-life challengesYour body is never going to be the same after having a child, whether it’s coming back to exercising or doing the OlympicsJessica Ennis-HillIt means she can finally use the psychology degree from Sheffield University that she gained after leaving school.She says of her podcast: “I get to speak to people about their golden moment that’s changed their life.“They also bring in three items that take us on their journey to reach that moment and the aftermath. “They’ve all been fascinating. “It’s delving into the psychology and mindset.”One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion. Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago, but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris ­Paralympics.One of her guests will be British rowing cox Erin Kennedy — a two-time Paralympic champion.Erin, 32, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but has continued to win medals at the highest level, including gold at the 2024 Paris Paralympics,.Jessica says of their chat: “Erin was incredible. “I was sat with my mouth wide open, blown away by what she has been through.“She brought in a wig because that was a huge part of her journey to getting back to ­­winning gold in Paris.”READ MORE SUN STORIESShe adds of podcast work: “As an athlete, you’re wanting to push your-self — and this was something out of my comfort zone I wanted to try.” Jessica’s Gold Minds podcast chats with former Olympic boxer Nicola Adams and former Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton are on all major platforms. New episodes land on Wednesdays, the next features sports presenter Gabby LoganJessica wearing the Union Flag after her Olympic triumph in front of her home nationCredit: The Times More