Resting Ennis-Hill out of Birmingham

Jessica Ennis-Hill has withdrawn from Sunday’s Birmingham Grand Prix as she bides her time before a possible World Championship bid later this year.

Ennis-Hill made a successful return to action at the Hypo Meeting in Gotzis last weekend in her first heptathlon since winning Olympic gold at London 2012.

The Sheffield star finished fourth and achieved the Olympic qualifying standard but admitted her exertions came at a price.

And after discussions with her coach Toni Minichiello the 29-year-old made the decision not to rush back into a top-level schedule.

Ennis-Hill said: “Having competed in my first full heptathlon in three years, both Toni and I feel that my body held up well in Gotzis and we are delighted with how I did, but I feel competing seven days later is going to be too soon.

“I have missed a volume of training over the past few months, since having my baby, due to problems with my Achilles and there is still a lot of work to do.

“So we have made the decision for me to take the usual week off post a heptathlon to recover and then to get back into solid training.”

London silver medallist Christine Ohuruogu has also withdrawn as a precautionary measure due to a slight hip injury.

Credit: Yorkshire Post / Picture: Adam Davy/PA Wire