SHEFFIELD’S golden girl Jess Ennis has added another trophy to her growing haul.
The 27-year-old, who won heptathlon gold at the London 2012 Olympics, was named Laureus world sportswoman of the year at a ceremony in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro – which will host the next Olympics in 2016.
The former pupil at Sharrow Primary School and Dore’s King Ecgbert School said she had experienced ‘highs and lows’ since winning Olympic gold.
Her coach Toni Minichiello has lost his full-time job with UK Athletics since the Olympics and her training base in Sheffield, Don Valley Stadium, is to be demolished later this year.
Ennis, pictured above with her trophy, revealed she initially struggled for motivation in training after the Olympics, but said her drive is back as she looks ahead to the World Championships in Russia in August.
Jess, of Dore, said: “There have been a few ups and downs, but you have those.
“Last year was an incredible high, and things have happened since, but we are just trying to keep our heads down, focus and look towards the Worlds.
“It’s so surreal to have received the Laureus sportswoman of the year award.
“It really is an incredible feeling.”
Lord Sebastian Coe, who grew up in Sheffield, attending Tapton School, and chaired the London 2012 organising committee, received a lifetime achievement honour at the awards.
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