In a profoundly moving and exclusive interview, Dame Jess Ennis-Hill has opened up about how reconnecting with sport became her lifeline following the devastating loss of her beloved grandmother - the woman she credits with shaping her into the champion she is today.
The Unbreakable Bond
The Olympic heptathlon gold medallist shares intimate memories of her grandmother's unwavering support throughout her childhood in Sheffield. "She was my rock, my biggest cheerleader," Ennis-Hill reveals, her voice filled with emotion. "From driving me to training sessions to comforting me after tough competitions, she was there through every step of my journey."
The Turning Point
After her grandmother's passing, the sporting icon found herself grappling with a grief so profound it threatened to consume her. "I felt completely lost," she admits. "The pain was overwhelming, and for the first time in my life, I stepped away from the track."
It was during this dark period that Ennis-Hill discovered the true healing power of sport. "Returning to athletics wasn't about winning medals anymore - it was about reconnecting with myself and honouring her memory," she explains.
The Road to Recovery
The journey back wasn't easy. Ennis-Hill describes how she had to rebuild her relationship with sport from the ground up:
- Rediscovering joy: Learning to find pleasure in movement rather than focusing solely on performance
- New perspective: Understanding that sport could be therapeutic rather than just competitive
- Honouring legacy: Using training as a way to feel connected to her grandmother's memory
A Message of Hope
Now, the mother-of-two has become a powerful advocate for using physical activity as a tool for mental wellbeing. "Sport gave me back my identity when I felt I'd lost everything," she says. "It's not about being the best - it's about finding something that makes you feel alive again."
Ennis-Hill's story serves as an inspiring testament to resilience and the transformative power of sport beyond the podium. Her experience offers hope to anyone navigating the difficult journey through grief, proving that sometimes our greatest strength emerges from our deepest pain.
