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Ennis-Hill in relaxed frame of mind ahead of Rio Olympics

Xinhua, August 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

British heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill said Friday that she aims to defend her Olympic title in Rio next year and that she will be more relaxed than in London three years ago.

Ennis-Hill is back in full training after giving birth to a son, Reggie, last year and overcoming an Achilles injury.

"I think it has made me a more relaxed athlete as I now have a son to think about so I leave my track worries at the track," Ennis-Hill told Rio2016.com

"There will definitely not be as much pressure on me this time - a home Games adds a lot of pressure on the athletes. And Rio will be different as it will be my second Games so it won' t all be new. I just want to go out there and do everything I can to win again."

The 29-year-old returned to action in May and will gauge her progress against the sport's elite at this month's athletics world championships in Beijing.

She showed she was on track to regaining peak form with three season-best performances at the Anniversary Games in London last month.

"Things are going really well, my Achilles injury has settled and I am in full training and get faster and stronger by the day," she said.

Ennis-Hill said she is looking forward to the unique atmosphere Rio will provide at next year's Olympics.

"I think Rio will host a really fun, colorful and lively Games - the Brazilian people really know how to have a good time and I think this will come through in the stadiums," she said.

"When it is one year to go and the countdown begins, the interest grows. I have just competed in the Olympic Stadium at the Anniversary Games and it was full - the British public have really got behind the Olympians after London.

"We have the best traveling fans, they are so committed and you will always see plenty of British flags in stadiums all over the world." Endi