Training on track for Jess

The Olympic heptathlon champion says the sporting venue’s new Olympic-standard 130m sprint track will make all the difference as she begins preparations for the Rio 2016 Games with coach Toni Minichiello.

Venue operator, SIV, UK Sport and Sport England have jointly invested in the six-lane track, which has been re-laid with a high-tech material to simulate the conditions athletes will be competing on at the Rio 2016 Games.

Jessica said: “I’m really pleased with the help and support of SIV, UK Sport and British Athletics in getting the track upgraded at EISS in time for our final preparations leading in to the coming season and, of course, Rio.

“Sheffield has the best athletics indoor facilities in the country I am incredibly fortunate as a local to have this on my doorstep.”

The track, designed for 100m sprint, hurdles and long jump training, is also used by the local community for athletics sessions and for SIV’s athletics coaching sessions, including Athletots, the Athletics Academy and Teen Athletics.

Paul Hudson, general manager of EIS Sheffield, said: “This major investment demonstrates SIV’s commitment to providing the very best sports facilities for Jessica and her fellow athletes, as well as the local community.

“It’s about supporting our elite athletes in their quest for success at Rio 2016 and offering Sheffield’s athletics community, from casual runners to our own Athletics Academy, with high quality training facilities which encourage healthy lifestyles and support up and coming young talent.”

Charles Johnston, of Sport England, said: “It’s vital we provide the right training environment for our athletes so they can be competitive on the international stage.”