03/08/2012
As the first day of athletics got underway in the Olympic Stadium on Friday, the host nation rallied huge support for heptathlon medal prospect Jessica Ennis.
Ennis pleased the sell-out crowd of 80,000 by clocking a rapid 12.54 seconds in her 100m hurdles heat – a world best time in the heptathlon.
Ennis was soon a Trending Athlete in the Olympic Athletes’ Hub, with a photo of her performance also being listed as a Top Olympian Tweet.
“wow!! That's unreal!!” tweeted British hurdler Andy Turner. “I’m not sure people realise quite how special @J_Ennis run was in the hurdles, its the same time that won gold in beijing for the individual”
Reality TV star Joey Essex added: “The Only Way Is Ennis!!!” playing on the name of his show The Only Way Is Essex.
But Ennis’s coach, Toni Minichiello, was keen to keep the stunning performance in perspective, tweeting: “Nice start for @J_Ennis it is just the 1st event, should give her great confidence to take to the next event. Thank you crowd... how loud??”
The queen of British athletics has remained quiet online, preferring to focus herself on the task ahead. However, she did get time to post a photo album in which she is seen exchanging light conversation with Prince William, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge.
“Had surprise visitors in the village today! Lovely to meet them all!” she commented.
You can follow these and other Olympic athletes in the Official Olympic Athletes’ Hub. Check it out!