City of Sheffield heptathlete Jessica Ennis was again in sparkling form in the Loughborough International meeting yesterday.
She won the long jump with a leap of 6.30m and also took first place in the 100m hurdles in 13.72 into a headwind.
But it was her sixth place in the javelin, one of her weaker events, that was the highlight for Ennis. She threw a superb 43.06m, th
e third time this season that she had beaten her personal best. She also had a throw of 41.17.
Talking about her javelin improvement, Ennis said, "It's taken a long time but it's been worth the wait.
"I've been working with Mick Hill for three years and the technique is becoming ingrained."
On the Olympics, Ennis said, "I'm expecting there will be pressure but I will not dwell on what people are saying."
Wakefield sprinter Emily Freeman, another Beijing hopeful, was also in top form. Running in an invitation 200m she won in 23.29, faster than the match 200m.
City of York athlete Bethany Staniland won three events for the victorious Oxford University team in their win over Cambridge at Iffley Road on Saturday;
She won the Discus (36.33), shot (11.34) and javelin (35.40), a fine effort considering her recent injury problems.
Jo Pavey revealed she had gained massive self confidence in her build-up to the Beijing Olympics after defending her Bupa Great Manchester Run title.
Pavey could not hide her delight after pulling away from Kenya's Rose Cheruiyot in the closing stages of the 10 kilometres race to win by 10seconds in a time of 31minutes 58seconds, with Ethiopia's Bezunesh Bekele third in 32min 33sec.
"The win and the fact I'm not feeling any after effects has given me lots of confidence," she said.
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