Births on January 28

Jessica Ennis-Hill, English heptathlete and hurdler

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, born on 28 January 1986, stands as one of Britain's most iconic and decorated track and field athletes. Hailing from Sheffield, England, she achieved global recognition for her exceptional prowess in multi-eventing disciplines, particularly the demanding heptathlon, and the 100 metres hurdles. Her illustrious career is marked by an unparalleled list of achievements, firmly establishing her legacy in British sport.

Following her retirement from competitive athletics, Dame Jessica has seamlessly transitioned into new roles, continuing to inspire and contribute to the health and fitness landscape, particularly focusing on women's well-being.

A Distinguished Athletic Career: Multi-Eventing Mastery

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill specialised in multi-event competitions, which are a true test of an athlete's versatility across multiple disciplines. Her primary focus was the heptathlon, an outdoor event comprising seven distinct track and field disciplines, each requiring a unique blend of speed, strength, agility, and endurance. The events contested in the heptathlon include the 100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin throw, and 800 metres. She also competed successfully in the pentathlon, an indoor equivalent featuring five events: 60 metres hurdles, high jump, shot put, long jump, and 800 metres.

Olympic and World Dominance

• 2012 Olympic Champion: Her crowning achievement came at the London 2012 Olympic Games, where she clinched the gold medal in the heptathlon. This victory was a defining moment for British sport, contributing to the memorable "Super Saturday" where three British track and field athletes won gold within an hour, electrifying the nation.
• Three-Time World Champion: Demonstrating remarkable consistency and long-term dominance, Ennis-Hill secured three World Championship titles in the heptathlon across different years:
  • 2009 in Berlin, Germany
  • 2011 in Daegu, South Korea
  • 2015 in Beijing, China
• 2010 European Champion: Further solidifying her status as a premier multi-eventer, she claimed the European Championship title in the heptathlon in Barcelona, Spain.
• 2010 World Indoor Pentathlon Champion: Her success extended indoors, where she became the World Indoor Champion in the pentathlon, showcasing her adaptability across different competitive environments.

A proud representative of the City of Sheffield & Dearne athletic club, her connection to her hometown remained strong throughout her career. Ennis-Hill was also a former British national record holder for the heptathlon, underscoring her elite performance level. Beyond multi-events, she held individual British records in the 100 metres hurdles, the high jump, and the indoor pentathlon, highlighting her exceptional individual discipline strengths.

Life Beyond the Track: Commentary and Entrepreneurship

Since retiring from professional athletics, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill has continued to be a prominent figure in the sporting world. She frequently serves as a respected commentator for the BBC, offering expert analysis and insight into track and field events, drawing upon her vast experience as an elite athlete.

Furthermore, Ennis-Hill has ventured into the wellness industry as an entrepreneur, driven by a passion for promoting women's health and fitness. She is the founder and driving force behind Jennis, a highly regarded fitness application specifically designed with women's unique physiological needs in mind.

Revolutionising Women's Training with CycleMapping

Jennis's latest and most innovative product launch is CycleMapping, a revolutionary feature that empowers women to align their training programs with their menstrual cycles. This pioneering approach is grounded in scientific understanding of hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle (primarily estrogen and progesterone) and their impact on a woman's energy levels, strength, recovery, and overall physiological state. By mapping training to these natural biological rhythms, CycleMapping aims to:

• Optimise Performance: Leverage peak hormonal phases for high-intensity workouts and personal best attempts.
• Reduce Injury Risk: Adjust training intensity during phases where the body might be more susceptible to injury or fatigue.
• Improve Recovery: Tailor recovery strategies to match the body's needs throughout the cycle.
• Enhance Well-being: Foster a more harmonious relationship between exercise and the body's natural processes, promoting sustainable fitness and improved mood.

CycleMapping represents a significant step forward in personalised fitness, moving beyond generic workout plans to provide a truly bespoke and effective training experience for women.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill

What is the heptathlon?

The heptathlon is a demanding multi-event track and field competition for women, consisting of seven disciplines: 100 metres hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200 metres, long jump, javelin throw, and 800 metres. Athletes accumulate points based on their performance in each event.

When did Jessica Ennis-Hill win her Olympic gold medal?

Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill won her Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

What is the Jennis app?

Jennis is a fitness application founded by Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, specifically designed to support women's health and fitness journeys. It offers various workout programs and features, including its innovative CycleMapping tool.

How does CycleMapping work within the Jennis app?

CycleMapping is a feature in the Jennis app that guides women on how to adjust their exercise routines based on the phases of their menstrual cycle. It provides personalised recommendations for training intensity and type, aligning with hormonal changes to optimise performance, recovery, and overall well-being throughout the month.