• Athletics

Ennis withdraws from European Indoors

ESPN staff
February 28, 2011
Jessica Ennis checks to see her winning time © Getty Images
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Jessica Ennis has pulled out of the European Indoor Championships in Paris due to a troublesome ankle injury.

Ennis has struggled with inflammation to her left ankle for a number of weeks - initially withdrawing from the last day of the Indoor Trials in Sheffield in mid-February as a precautionary measure - but was named in the squad for the championships last week as she maintained hope of shaking off the problem.

But with the inflammation failing to fully subside, the 25-year-old heptathlete has now decided to pull out of the event in order not to jeopardise her chances during the outdoor season.

"I've thought long and hard about whether to compete," said Ennis. "If I'm honest I don't want to risk any further damage to my ankle and calf. I cannot take this risk - the World Championships has to be my priority."

A third MRI since the injury occurred showed that the injury had improved over the last ten days, but not enough to make competing in Friday's pentathlon an entirely risk-free proposition.

"As it is, the inflammation and fluid build-up is reducing and I could potentially get through the pentathlon with medication," she said. "But there is no guarantee that it will not worsen as a result and then mess up the start of my outdoor season.

"I would like to wish the rest of the team a really successful championships."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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