• London Olympics 2012

Ennis staying clear of Olympic Stadium

ESPN staff
February 26, 2012
Jessica Ennis is staying clear of the Olympic Stadium © PA Photos
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Jessica Ennis has revealed she has no intention of checking out the Olympic Stadium before London 2012 gets underway.

Ennis is one of the British poster girls of this summer's Games, but she has drawn the line at having her photograph taken inside the stadium, instead opting to wait for the thrill of experiencing the arena at full capacity when she goes for heptathlon gold in August.

"I went inside about 18 months ago but it was just a building site covered with dirt," Ennis told the Sun."I've had lots of opportunities to have my photograph taken inside since the track and seating was installed but I've made a decision and am sticking to that. I don't want it to become a familiar place.

"When you usually go to major championships it's all new so why should this be any different. That's part of the adrenalin you get -- the fact that it is all new. If it's too familiar there is a danger you might get complacent, thinking 'oh, I was here a few weeks ago doing a photoshoot'.

"I don't want those distractions in my head. I want it to be a championship, brand new, to be a place filled with people where I'm ready to compete. When I see it close-up like now it does make me feel really excited and get goose pimples.

"It looks amazing from the outside. You stand here for a minute and try and picture what it will be like on that day. I do like competing in front of a big crowd. It's great when everyone cheers when your name is called out. That really does give you an extra buzz."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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