Ennis-Hill facing 'tough decision' over potential retirement

Having claimed World Championship gold and Olympic silver since returning to athletics following the birth of her son in 2014, Ennis-Hill, 30, must now decide if she will compete again.

Jessica Ennis-Hill following her second-placed finish in the Rio 2016 heptathlon

Jessica Ennis-Hill will mull over whether to continue her illustrious heptathlon career after a second-placed finish at Rio 2016 on Saturday.

Ennis-Hill put up a valiant defence of the crown she won in London four years ago, but had to settle for a silver medal on this occasion as 21-year-old Belgian Nafissatou Thiam produced an inspired performance.

The 2012 champion was trumped by the slender margin of 35 points, despite beating Thiam by almost seven and a half seconds in the concluding 800 metres.

Having claimed World Championship gold and Olympic silver since returning to athletics following the birth of her son in 2014, Ennis-Hill, 30, must now decide if she will compete again.

Next year's World Championships take place in England's capital, which could prove a significant factor.

"I've got to make a decision whether this is my last heptathlon or not, but I'm so proud of what I've achieved over the past few years," said Ennis-Hill.

"It's a tough decision but we will see. It makes it a harder decision knowing the world championships are in London next year."

Ennis-Hill was aware she had probably left herself with too much to do heading into the 800 metres.

"I knew I had to beat her [Thiam] by about 10 seconds, and when I found that out after coming off from the javelin, I just thought, 'oh god, that's so much'," added the Briton.

"I just thought, I'm going to run hard like I always do in the 800m. But I knew she was going to run hard too and I knew she wouldn't let it slip."

Thiam admitted she had shocked herself by claiming victory, having been injured in the build-up to the Games.

"It's crazy. I wasn't expecting that - maybe top eight, but not the gold," said the youngster.

"It was very hard coming back from being injured. I wasn't sure if I would even make these Games. But with the physio we did a lot of work and it worked.

"I still cannot believe it. Olympic champion - it still sounds so big when I say it."