Jessica Ennis-Hill insists she can juggle motherhood and the intense preparation that will go into defending her Olympic heptathlon title in Rio de Janeiro.
Britain’s London 2012 multi-discipline gold medallist yester-day announced that she and husband Andy Hill are expecting their first child.
The pregnancy means Ennis-Hill, who said it was “very unexpected” news, will miss this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
However, with coach Toni Minichiello, plans are already being drawn up for the 27-year-old Sheffield athlete to target next year’s World Championships.
And in 2016 Ennis-Hill will aim for more glory on the Olympic stage in Brazil.
Ennis-Hill said in a statement released by her management: “I have some very unexpected but exciting news to share – Andy and I are expecting a baby.
“We are completely overwhelmed, with excitement and a degree of anxiety that I am sure all first-time parents will relate to.
“My plans for 2014 have been completely turned upside down, but having had a couple of weeks to think about things from a career point of view I am 100 per cent set on returning to full-time athletics once our baby is born and go for a second gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016 – that challenge really excites me.
“But in the short term I will make our baby a priority and enjoy the whole experience as much as possible.
“I am sorry I won’t be in Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games, but know it will be an amazing occasion. I will be at home awaiting the arrival of a little Ennis-Hill.”
Minichiello confirmed Ennis-Hill remains in training, and will continue to work on her fitness during the pregnancy.
It is possible she could compete during the indoor season in early 2015.
Ennis-Hill’s absence from Glasgow’s Commonwealths means the Games lose one of the expected star attractions.
She took Commonwealth bronze as a virtual unknown in Melbourne in 2006, when Kelly Sotherton won gold, but skip-ped the 2010 Games in Delhi where fellow English athlete Louise Hazel triumphed, preferring to compete at the European Championships.