Katarina Johnson-Thompson has two World Championship golds, but has never won an Olympic medal (Photo: Getty)
Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill believes Katarina Johnson-Thompson can finally banish her Olympic heartbreak and claim gold in Paris.
Britain’s reigning heptathlon world champion hobbled out of the Tokyo Games three years ago midway through the competition with a calf injury, having only just been fit to compete there after recovering from rupturing her Achilles.
Injury concerns once again overshadow Johnson-Thompson’s preparations for this Olympics, with the 31-year-old having pulled out of the European Championships earlier this month after three events because of an issue with her right leg.
It appears, though, she will be fit to compete in Paris and London 2012 winner Ennis-Hill believes Johnson-Thompson, who despite all her success has never won an Olympic medal, can follow in her footsteps to the top of the podium and defeat Belgian’s two-time champion Nafi Thiam.
‘I strongly believe Katarina is the one to watch as I definitely think she has it in her to bring home gold,’ Ennis-Hill told Metro at the launch of Eurostar’s first Golden Train, which will transport athletes and fans between London and Paris.
‘This is the fourth time she has been in the Olympics and because she is so experienced, she has a lot to bring to the event. Unfortunately she has had a lot of disappointment in the previous Olympics but Katarina has been here so many times before and knows what it takes to win.
‘She will really want to put her previous issues aside. I am very confident she will turn it around and be victorious.
Jessica Ennis-Hill won Heptathlon gold on ‘Super Saturday’ at London 2012 (Photo: Getty)
‘As for her fitness, she looks in really good shape but it’s going to be a tough one as she has Nafi Thiam to contend with, as well as American Anna Hall. That being said, Katarina has the right tools now to get that gold.
‘Her mindset is excellent and that is an important part of being a winner. Her focus is now right on track; she seems relaxed and happy, and that means she will perform her best.
‘You never know what’s going to happen in a heptathlon though but I think this is the time Katarina is going to smash it. If there is ever a time, it is now.
Keely Hodgkinson is ‘one of the gold-medal favourites’ for the 800m (Photo: Getty)
‘I am totally backing her. Recently when I have seen her compete she is so consistent and determined and if she can bring that into the Olympics, then she’s got every chance of winning.’
As well as KJT, Ennis-Hill is confident Team GB will be celebrating numerous medals, pointing to the likes of reigning 1500metres world champion Josh Kerr, sprinter Dina Asher-Smith and 800m star Keely Hodgkinson, who she acknowledges is ‘one of the gold-medal favourites’.
‘Dina’s chances of winning a medal are very high and I’m excited to watch her compete,’ she added.
Ennis-Hill is looking …read more
Source:: Metro
