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    Anthony Joshua pleads with Team GB OIympian Delicious Orie to make retirement U-turn as he quits after one fight

    ANTHONY JOSHUA has pleaded with Olympian Delicious Orie to reconsider his decision to retire.Orie was eliminated in the first round of the 2024 Olympics but soon turned professional with Frank Warren – after snubbing an offer from the WWE.Anthony Joshua pleaded with Olympian Delicious Orie to reconsider retirementCredit: @deliciousboxingThe heavyweight won his debut against Milos Veletic in April – but laboured over the four rounds. And only a month later and the 27-year-old announced he was retiring from boxing after just one pro bout. But AJ – who used to spar Orie – spoke out to urge the Russian-born Brit not to walk away just yet. He wrote on Instagram: “History repeats itself. Many of us wanted to stop at some stage. READ MORE IN boxing “Some at the start, some in the middle and at some point all of us will have to stop. “I think you should take your time but keep training! You have skills & have talent.” Joshua accompanied the message with an old interview with Michael Spinks – the 1976 Olympic gold medalist – who later won world titles.In the clip, Spinks was telling KO TV: “I heard boxing was not a pretty business for the boxers and also I was a little afraid of that.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I didn’t know how I well I would fare in the industry. So I just wanted to get a good job after winning the gold medal and then let that be. “But things happened that pushed me into the pros and I just talking it one step at a time. I didn’t know I would go as far as I did.” Tense moment Anthony Joshua and Mahmoud Charr face off ahead of proposed two-fight dealAJ told Orie not to retire, posting a clip of Michael SpinksDespite Spinks’ concerns over turning pro, he would win world titles at light-heavyweight and heavyweight.He also famously lost to Mike Tyson in 1988 – his final bout before retiring. And Orie – like Spinks – credited wanting to get a job outside the ring as a reason for not wanting to fight on any further.He posted: “After much reflection, I have decided to hang up my gloves and retire from boxing to follow up on my degree and enter the corporate world.”This sport has given me so much — incredible memories, unforgettable experiences travelling the world and many opportunities to represent my country at the biggest stages in the world. Forever grateful for the journey.”Over time, I’ve come to recognise that the same fire and love I once had for boxing has gradually faded. “As I’ve grown, I’ve come to value clarity and honesty with myself above all.”I hoped that turning professional would reignite the passion, but the truth has become clear: it hasn’t. Read More on The Sun”Every fighter knows you need a deep love for the craft to reach the top — and without it, there’s no path forward.”Out of respect for the sport and for myself, it’s time to step away with honesty.”Orie has retired from pro boxingCredit: Getty More

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    Swimmer becomes millionaire within 21 seconds after shattering world record while juiced on performance-enhancing drugs

    THE first edition of the Enhanced Games will be staged in Las Vegas in May 2026.The controversial sporting event – which is backed by businessman Donald Trump Jr., the son of the US President – will encourage its athletes to take performance-enhancing drugs to break existing world records on the track, in the pool and in the gym.Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev claims to have broken the 50m freestyle world recordCredit: X @enhanced_gamesGkolomeev was awarded $1million after taking performance enhancing drugsCredit: X @enhanced_gamesIt will be held annually and will initially consist of three sports – short-distance swimming, sprinting and weightlifting.Competitors will be permitted to use substances that are banned from elite sport – and there are significant cash bonuses available for those who produce “truly superhuman performance”.Organisers say the Enhanced Games will “move humanity forward” and “to redefine what mankind can be with audacity” – and to create “the next era of human potential”.They claim that Greek swimmer Kristian Gkolomeev, who was fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympics, swam 20.89 seconds in a 50 metres freestyle time trial in the US in February.READ MORE ON SPORTThis is 0.02 seconds quicker than the world record set by Brazilian Cesar Cielo in 2009.Separately, the Bulgarian-born star swam 21.03 seconds “in jammers”, which was 0.01 seconds faster than American Caeleb Dressel’s 2019 mark.For “breaking two world records” and becoming the “fastest swimmer in history” he has received a £1million bonus but World Aquatics, the sport’s governing body, will not recognise his achievements.Their big goal is to find someone who can run faster than Jamaican sprinting sensation Usain Bolt, whose 100 metres world record time of 9.58 seconds, set in Berlin in 2009, stands as the benchmark of athletic endeavour.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKIf that happens, then the individual runner will earn $1million.At a glitzy launch in Las Vegas on Wednesday evening, president of the Enhanced Games Dr Aron D’Souza – an Australian entrepreneur and lawyer – said: “The world is hungry for something new.Fury after three-time Olympic swimming medallist is offered $1m to break records while ‘juiced to the gills’“A new vision of sport, of science and of human potential.“We are not just organising competition, we are in the business of unlocking human potential.“The idea came to life in 2022 during a moment of reflection where I found myself asking: ‘Why are athletes still bound by outdated rules that ignore everything we know about science?’“I imagined a new kind of competition where science, sport and society could evolve together. Where we stop apologising for progress, and start to embrace it.“A platform that celebrates human innovation, rewards excellence and explores enhancements openly, responsibly and ethically.“Make no mistake, in 50 years we’ll look back and realise that biology was never the ceiling.This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.Maximilian Martin, Deputy president of the Enhanced Games“We will be faster, stronger, younger for longer and wonder why it took so long for society to catch up with science. The old rules didn’t just hold back athletes – they held back humanity.“We are the vanguard of super-humanity. This is disruption by design.”D’Souza says there will be a “performance enhancement protocol” where all athletes are enhanced “ethnically, safefully and above all, with great safety and effectiveness”.Two commissions – “one medical, one scientific” – will be established to assist coaches and athletes, whilst also developing and marketing “new drug compounds” for the American public to purchase.Las Vegas will stage the first Games on the Memorial Weekend of May 24-26, 2026 at Resorts World.Maximilian Martin, deputy president of the Enhanced Games, expects about 100 athletes to join next year, including finalists at the Paris Games and world-record holders.He said: “Our medical framework is built to the highest standards in sport.“The main difference to traditional testing is that we don’t make a decision for athletes which substances they can or cannot take – as long as it is inherent with the law.“We care about athletes’ safety and health while being at the peak level of athletic performance. This is definitely not a free-for-all. It’s controlled, safe and athletes’ first.”The idea behind the Enhanced Games has received widespread criticism for potentially endangering athletes’ health and undermining fair play.Anyone that signs up for the unprecedented concept will find that they cannot compete at the LA 2028 Olympics for their country or at the world championships in their respective sports.Speaking in Glasgow in February 2024, World Athletics chief Seb Coe – a two-time Olympic 1500 metres champion – said: “Well, it’s b******s isn’t it? I can’t really get excited about it.Read More on The Sun“There’s only one message, and that is if anybody is moronic enough to officially take part in it and they are in the traditional part of our sport, they’ll get banned for a long time.“But I really don’t get sleepless nights about it. It’s not going to be a page turner.” More

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    Nino Benvenuti dead at 87: Two-weight undisputed world champion and Olympic gold medallist passes away

    BOXING great Nino Benvenuti has died at the age of 87.Benvenuti, widely considered as Italy’s greatest ever fighter, became world champion in two weight classes and won three world titles.Italian boxing legend Nino Benvenuti has died at the age of 87Benvenuti became world champion in two classes, light middleweight and middleweightBenvenuti held the undisputed super-welterweight championship from June 1965 to June 1966.He also held the undisputed middleweight championship twice, from April to September 1967, and from March 1968 to November 1970. He boasted a stunning record of 82 wins, including 35 knockouts, seven losses and one draw in his 90 professional boxing bouts.His three world title fights against Emile Griffith in 1967 and 1968 were epic battles.READ MORE BOXING NEWSBut Benvenuti’s amateur career was equally ground-breaking, losing just ONE of his 120 matches.The pinnacle of his amateur career came when he won Olympic gold at the Rome 1960 Games in the welterweight category, also receiving the prestigious Val Barker Trophy for boxing style. As an amateur, he won the Italian welterweight title from 1956 to 1960 and the European title in 1957 and 1959. Turning professional in 1961, Benvenuti eventually won the light-middleweight world championship in 1965 in front of a 40,000 crowd in Milan’s San Siro Stadium.Most read in BoxingBenvenuti lost just ONE of his 120 amateur matchesIn 1968, Benvenuti was named “Fighter of the Year” by Ring Magazine, the only Italian to receive this honour. In 1992, the Orthodox fighter became the first Italian to be inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.Although never holding U.S. citizenship, he was also admitted to the National Italian-American Sports Hall of Fame for his achievements on American soil. He lost his last three fights, including two knockout defeats to Carlos Monzon.After retiring from the ring, Benvenuti’s movie star looks landed him a job in show business.He appeared in several Italian films such as “Vivi o preferibilmente morti” (1969) and “Mark il poliziotto spara per primo” (1975). He also worked as a sports commentator for RAI Italia and, since 1979, was registered with the Journalists’ Association.Benvenuti’s wife Nadì Bertorello died at the age of 75 after a short illness in January 2023. Benvenuti’s movie star looks landed him a job in show business after he retired from boxingBenvenuti’s stunning pro record in 90 fightsWins: 82Knockouts: 35Losses: SevenDraws: One More

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    Eddie Hearn announces huge signing who will ‘follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite heavyweight division’

    EDDIE HEARN believes he has found and signed Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight successor. AJ turned professional with Hearn in 2013 – one year after winning gold at the London Olympics. Eddie Hearn has signed Leo AtangAtang has been dubbed the successor to Anthony JoshuaCredit: GettyJoshua went on to win the world titles twice and headlined some of the biggest bouts in recent memory. But now aged 35, the British legend is heading towards the end of his career with a huge void to be left. And Hearn reckons he has found the perfect man to succeed AJ in Leo Atang – a champion of the amateurs. Atang – a former rugby league winger from York – is a five-time national champ. READ MORE IN boxing He won the World Boxing Under-19 world championships last year – stopping Korean Lee Geon Hui inside the first round. And 18-year-old Atang has snubbed a run at the Team GB set up and dreams of the Olympics to turn pro under Hearn. Hearn said: “He’s the guy in my opinion to follow in the footsteps of Anthony Joshua and ignite the heavyweight division to all kinds of fanbases across the country. “Young man, plenty of work to do, we’re going to box him all across the country, all over the world. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”Seven, eight fights a year but remember what I say, everybody in this arena, everyone tuning in on DAZN, follow this young man, remember the name. “This is the future of British boxing and the future of the heavyweight division.” Boxer sent crashing out of ring… then loses by FOURTEEN points on two judges’ cardsAtang will be managed by former world champion Sunny Edwards and Anthony Fitzpatrick. He said: “It’s a dream come true to sign with Matchroom.“My team and I have had many good conversations leading to me turning pro. But I knew this one just felt right from the start. It’s what I always hoped for. “I cannot wait to get started with Eddie, Sunny, Anthony Fitzpatrick and all the team at Matchroom Boxing. “More importantly, I just want to get in the ring and show the whole world what I am all about. We put the work in and we put the hours in. I live the life. “My mentality is – push myself the absolute limit and leave no stone unturned. I’m fit, I’m strong and I’l be ready to go with anyone tomorrow. “I’ve got what it takes to go to the top of this sport. The future is here.”Atang is a five-time amateur championCredit: @leoatang1 More

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    ‘This is not even fair’ – Olympic legend and third fastest woman of all time DEMOLISHES parents at school sports day

    OLYMPIC legend Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce brilliantly demolished the field as she took part in a parents’ race.The Jamaican icon won 100m Olympic golds in the Beijing and London Games.Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce demolished the field at a local sports dayCredit: INSTAGRAM @_suediamondFraser-Pryce, 38, is one of the greatest sprinters of all timeCredit: ReutersFraser-Pryce remains the third-fastest woman of all time, having recorded a 10.6 second 100m dash.Now 38, the sprint star remains incredibly quick.Attending her seven-year-old son Zyon’s sports day, Fraser-Pryce had no qualms about leaving the other racers in her wake.Remarkable footage shows the eight-time Olympic medalist speeding away from the modest competition.READ MORE IN SPORTResponding to the clip, one fan wrote: “This is not even fair.”While a second gushed: “How cool is that!”And another added: “She had to do that, would be a shame to waste the talent.”This was not the first time that Fraser-Pryce has competed at her son’s sports day.Most read in AthleticsBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKAmazing footage also surfaced of her demolishing the field in 2023.Fraser-Pryce has continued to compete following Zyon’s birth in 2017.Video of Olympic sprint legend joining in parents’ race at her boy’s school sports day emergesShe won silver in the 100m sprint at Tokyo 2020, while also taking home gold in the 4x100m relay.The Team Jamaica legend competed at Paris 2024, in what she confirmed would be her final Games.Having come second in her heat, Fraser-Pryce was forced to withdraw from her semi-final due to injury.Last week, Fraser-Pryce posted a minute-long Instagram video with some of her brilliant highlights.She captioned the post: “Time will honor your greatness – 2025.”While the clip finished with the phrase: “Unfinished business.”Per NBC Sports, 2025 is set to be Fraser-Pryce’s final season.Fraser-Pryce is a Jamaican sprinting legendCredit: Getty More

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

    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

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    Gender row Olympics boxer Imane Khelif fires defiant message to Donald Trump after ‘eye-opening experience’

    IMANE KHELIF has issued a defiant message to Donald Trump, insisting she will compete at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.The President of the United States wrongly claimed the 25-year-old, who was at the centre of a gender row along with Taiwan’s Lin Yu-Ting at the Paris Games last summer, was transgender.Imane Khelif’s participation at the 2024 Olympics caused controversy as she allegedly failed a gender eligibility test 18 months earlierCredit: APHer participation at the LA Games in 2028 was thrown into major doubt after Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes in women’s sportsCredit: REUTERSKhelif has issued a defiant message to POTUSCredit: REUTERSKhelif’s participation at LA 2028 was thrown into major doubt last month when Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing in female events.But the Algerian insists she won’t be intimidated by POTUS, telling ITV: “I am not transgender. This does not concern me and it does not intimidate me.”Of course, I defend with everything I have this gold medal… I continue my dream, my everything.”Khelif and Lin’s participation at Paris 2024 – where they won welterweight and featherweight gold respectively – sparked international outrage.READ MORE BOXING NEWSThe duo took part at the Games 18 months after being banned from the Women’s World Championships for allegedly failing a gender eligibility test.Tests administered by the discredited International Boxing Association are said to have determined that Khelif and Yu-Ting have male XY chromosomes.The IOC, however, permitted the duo to compete – much to the fury of the IBA – who have taken legal action against the Olympics’ governing body.Imane Khelif received a torrent of abuse following her 46-second victory over Angela CariniCredit: REXLin Yu-Ting was also targeted by trolls and on the receiving end of erroneous claimsCredit: AFPKhelif, in particular, was subjected to a torrent of abuse and erroneous claims she was a man after stopping Angela Carini 46 seconds into their opening bout.Most read in BoxingThe ordeal has fortified the mental strength of the Algerian, who has taken legal action against several prominent figures – including Elon Musk and JK Rowling – for alleged “aggravated cyber-harassment”.Olympics 2024 gender row boxer Imane Khelif set to turn pro after winning gold in Paris She said: “This experience has taught me a lot. “I believe that if the old Imane operated at 50% of her potential, then the Imane Khalif of today is even more motivated and determined.”I have learned so much from this campaign against me, and what happened at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opening experience. “I feel even stronger now than I was before.”Khelif believes she wouldn’t have been the victim of global abuse had she not started getting the better of her opponents.She said: “As we say in Algeria, those who have nothing to hide should have no fear.Imane Khelif insists the experience at Paris 2024 has made her stronger mentallyCredit: ALAMY”The truth became clear at the Paris Olympics.”The injustice was exposed and, later, the truth was acknowledged by the [IOC] in Paris.“I see myself as a girl, just like any other girl. I was born a girl, raised as a girl and have lived my entire life as one.”I have competed in many tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and other major competitions, as well as four world championships.READ MORE SUN STORIES“All of these took place before I started winning and earning titles.”But once I began achieving success, the campaigns against me started.” More

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

    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