Sheffield Athlete Gets Artwork

21 July 2011, 10:42 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Sheffield athlete Jessica Ennis has met her double - a waxwork at Madame Tussauds!

The heptathlon star, who has been world number one for the last three years, said she was 'blown away' seeing it for the first time.

The 25-year-old met her ``lifelike'' at an unveiling in London and said:

'I cannot believe just how realistic it is.

'They've got me down to a T.

'Every little detail is so accurate, from the eyes right down to my abs - it is quite strange to be looking at your exact double.'

Ennis's replica was created in celebratory pose, raising the Union Jack aloft in triumph.

It wears kit donated by the athlete, took four months to complete and cost £150,000.

The track and field specialist, who won heptathlon gold at the 2009 world championships in Berlin, said:

'The waxwork is brilliant. When they asked me to come down to get measured up it was a real surprise but a real honour and it is very exciting.

'It's quite surreal to stand next to it. The likeness is incredible, they've really brought it out in the eyes.

'Having an athlete here really helps raise the profile of athletics.'

Asked about the Olympics she said:

'Hopefully I will do this one proud. Yeah, definitely nerves are beginning to creep in but I'm feeling good and training hard and getting ready for the World Championships next month.

'Once that's out of the way it's a big increase to the Olympics and getting ready for it.'

Liz Edwards, the centre's public relations manager, said:

'We are delighted to welcome Jessica to the A-list line-up of sports stars at Madame Tussauds London.

'With anticipation now well and truly building for next year it seems apt that one of the brightest stars of the moment is claiming a place here.

'We are sure she will be a hit with our guests and expect a flood of fans clamouring to pose alongside her.'