Celebration lined up to honour athletes in style

The achievements of Sheffield's Olympic medallists Jessica Ennis-Hill and Bryony Page put the city on the map once again at the Games in Rio.
Great Britain's Jessica Ennis-Hill at the Rio Olympics Games. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.Great Britain's Jessica Ennis-Hill at the Rio Olympics Games. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.
Great Britain's Jessica Ennis-Hill at the Rio Olympics Games. Photo: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire.

And now a civic celebration is being lined up back home.

The city council is discussing how best to mark the achievements of Jessica, who won the silver medal in the heptathlon, and Bryony, who picked up a silver medal for trampolining.

Jessica Ennis fans in Barkers PoolJessica Ennis fans in Barkers Pool
Jessica Ennis fans in Barkers Pool

It has not yet been determined what form the celebration will take.

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It is understood the council wants to discuss the plans with the athletes first before details are finalised.

Any event could also form part of Jessica’s farewell to competitive athletics, if she chooses not to take part in the athletics World Championships next year in London.

After collecting her medal in Rio, she hinted that she could retire, but said she would return to Sheffield first before making her decision.

Jessica Ennis fans in Barkers PoolJessica Ennis fans in Barkers Pool
Jessica Ennis fans in Barkers Pool

In 2012, following her gold medal triumph at the Olympics in London, Jessica was treated to a civic reception attended by thousands of people in Barker’s Pool.

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Attendees were asked to wear gold and a stage was set up for entertainment which included music, sport and films.

There was also a private reception for Jessica and her family in the City Hall. She already has a star on the ‘walk of fame’ outside the Town Hall.

Meanwhile, Bryony’s prize in Rio marked a British first in her discipline. The 25-year-old has a degree in biology from Sheffield University, where she took a sports scholarship. She lives in the city and trains at the Sheffield Trampoline Academy, which runs at Hillsborough Leisure Centre. She has competed in five world championships.

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