Ennis eyeing future hurdles bid

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Jessica Ennis wants to test herself against the best women hurdlers in the world.

But she insists she has no plans to give up the heptathlon just yet after winning Britain's first athletics gold of London 2012.
Ennis clocked 12.54 seconds, a world best for the heptathlon, for the 100m hurdles on her way to capturing the hearts of a nation in the Olympic Stadium last Saturday.
That was less than two tenths outside the 12.35 secs winning time of Sally Pearson, who won gold for Australia in the 100m hurdles last night [Wednesday].
Asked if she was seriously planning taking up the hurdles event, Ennis said: "I think that is what I will do ultimately in the future. I'm not sure when. I think I have to give hurdles a proper go first and see if I'm going to be good enough to do that.
"I've always said I'd love to give hurdles a go but I don't want to do an event where I'm not making semi-finals and finals. I've been one of the best in the world, it would be hard to go from that level back down again. That time I ran the other day has definitely given me a lot of confidence to pursue it."
Ennis used to race against Pearson as a junior and they clashed in the Commonwealth youth games in the 100m hurdles.
"She won and I came second," said Ennis. "She was an amazing hurdler back then and I'm so pleased for her that she won. Hopefully we can compete against each other in the future."
Ennis, however, still has ambitions in the heptathlon. She wants to break the 7,000 points barrier after falling just five short in winning Olympic gold and is looking forward to competing in Glasgow in the Commonwealth Games in two years time.
She said: "I've not won the Commonwealth Games so I feel that would be lovely to do. It's a weird feeling, I can't imagine not doing the heptathlon. I feel I've got a bit more to do and getting so near to 7,000 points, it would be great to break that barrier.
"I'm just enjoying it, I'm not sure what the future's going to bring. Most heptathletes just get to the point where you start picking up a lot of injuries and your body says no, this is enough.
"But until I get to that stage I will keep pushing it and pushing it. Then I'm sure I'll collapse and need a hip replacement sometime."
Ennis was talking at an event sponsored by Omega in central London as she continued to drink in the euphoria of being an Olympic champion.
She has allowed herself several glasses of champagne and a glass of red wine amid a whirl of social engagements.
"Not as much as I would like," she said. "I've been really tired. It's been really manic but when I get home with all my friends and family we are going to have a big party.
"It's been a while since I indulged in wine or anything like that so I'm going to make the most of it."
The 26-year-old from Sheffield hopes the feelgood factor surrounding her triumph and the British squad's brilliant showing at London 2012 brings a lasting legacy.
Ennis said: "We need to make the most of this. Athletes have performed out of their skin and done a really great job in hopefully inspiring the next generation."
On Saturday, however, she will be back in the Olympic stadium cheering on teammate Mo Farah in his bid to add 5,000m gold to the 10,000m title he has already won.
Ennis said: "I have got so much faith in him that he is going to come away with that gold medal. The past few years have been amazing for him, He has raised his game at every championships and I believe he can do it."