•Home favourite started bid for heptathlon gold with stunning 100m hurdles run and then cleared 1.86m in high jump
•She did sit top of the leaderboard with 2,249 points, a lead of 25 before finishing a disappointing ninth in shot put
•Best throw of 14.28 means she slides down to second overall with 3,062 points
•Thrilling 200m race puts her back in the driving seat with a lead of 184 points

By Paul Harris, Louise Eccles and Barbara Davies

Joy: Jessica Ennis raises her arms in celebration after finishing the 200-meter race in the heptathlon competition earlier today

Jessica Ennis sent the Olympic stadium into raptures yesterday with Act One of a stellar heptathlon performance – then she got set for gold.

The 26-year-old star brought a capacity crowd to its feet with a sensational start to the athletics, setting a British record in the event for the 100-metre hurdles.

Now she is preparing for Act Two today, with a chance to fulfil her dream, and with hopes of a gold medal weighing constantly on her slender shoulders.


Event four: Jessica Ennis claims a personal best in the 200m to put her back in the driving seat for heptathlon gold

Thumbs up: Ennis is leading the way in the heptathlon after the first day of action at the Olympic Stadium

In remarkable scenes before 80,000 spectators and a TV audience of millions, she jumped for joy... ran for glory... and won the support of a nation for the most important two days in her sporting life.

At one stage she was conducting applause from the track by raising her arms and turning 360 degrees around the vast Olympic stadium, creating the most electrifying atmosphere it has seen so far.

‘Go girl! Go Jess!’ they bellowed, chanting ‘En-nis! En-nis!’ until it reached a crescendo.

But the Sheffield-born champion was rendered ‘speechless’ when she saw her 12.54 second record for the 100-metre hurdles flash up on the scoreboard – a lifetime best, and equal to the gold medal winning time in the women’s hurdles in Beijing.



Close call: Jessica Ennis crosses the finish line of the 200 metre run


The end of the race: Jessica Ennis crosses the finish line in lane 7 with Jessica Zelinka of Canada in lane number six

Record run: Ennis ran a personal best in the 200m putting her on top of the leader board

The amazing performance propelled her instantly to the top of the leader board, precisely the kind of start she needed. And still the crowd cheered.

‘Show us yer abs!’, a lone voice demanded as she took off her tracksuit for the high jump. (The 2012 poster girl has come to be known as the Ab Fab pin-up because of her enviable six-pack abdominal muscles and torso, repeatedly grandstanded yesterday to the delight of front-row spectators).

Sometimes the crowd cranked up the volume so much it drowned out the names of the athletes as they were announced on loudspeakers. When they clapped and stamped their feet, it vibrated all through the stands.


High hopes: Jessica Ennis fell slightly behind in the heptathlon after a disappointing shot put, but is expected to claw back some ground in the 200m


Jumping for victory: Jessica Ennis during the Women's Heptathlon High Jump at the Olympic Stadium


Words of advice: Jessica Ennis listens to her coach Toni Minichiello as she competes in the Women's Heptathlon High Jump

Home support: The crowd inside the Olympic Stadium roared as the 26-year-old stepped up for her attempt

‘It just blew me away to be honest,’ Ennis said afterwards. ‘How much they got behind me was amazing. You try and prepare yourself but it’s nothing like you can imagine. It was a great start to the day.’

The athletics were conducted in breaks between a loudspeaker soundtrack that blared out hits from the Rolling Stones and David Bowie, among others – plus Bob Marley’s Sun is Shining when it pelted with rain for a few minutes, flooding uncovered areas in the stands and drenching lower-tier spectators in their seats.

Barely a single empty seat could be spotted inside the stadium when Ennis and her team-mates were in the arena.

Her parents Vinnie Ennis and Alison Powell were here – waving a Union Flag and cheering their daughter towards victory at every stage. ‘This is her dream,’ they said – then spoke of their hopes that she will achieve her ambition to win gold in front of a home crowd.

Spirit: Jessica Ennis congratulates Katerina Johnson Thompson as she competes in the high jump phase of the pentathlon

‘She has dreamed about this for so long,’ Miss Powell said. ‘It has been a long wait, and she has worked very hard.’

Elsewhere, crowds gathered at a giant screen in the Olympic Park, the Stratford equivalent of Wimbledon’s Murray Mount.

There was another in Sheffield’s Don Valley stadium, where she first ran as a 13-year-old. Her secondary school hosted a final ‘good luck’ celebration, and the city council appeared to have contingency plans to cope with a chaotic homecoming if she returns triumphant.

On the internet, Facebook mentions of ‘Ennis’ increased 600-fold around the time she chalked up her first stunning result.

But it meant Ennis, who was absent from Beijing four years ago through injury, is now under intense pressure to come up with a gold.

Uniquely in the public mind, and possibly in her own, winning mere silver would be regarded as failure. Tony Minichiello, her coach since childhood, said she was probably the only person in the British track-and-field team who, if she fails to win gold, it would be viewed as a loss.


Jessica Ennis made an explosive start to her 100m hurdles heat and raced away from the field to claim victory in a world best time


Ennis (left) earned 1,195 points from her time of 12.54 seconds, the fastest hurdles time ever run in a heptathlon


Ennis left the field trailing in heat five of the 100m hurdles, recording a time of 12.54 seconds


The hurdles event is usually one of Ennis's strongest, so she will have to sustain her form in the high jump, shot put and 200m later today


Sometimes I surprise even myself! Ennis reacts with a smile after her brilliant start to the heptathlon

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source:dailymail

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Tags: Olympic Games 2012

By Nadia Mendoza


It appears someone has too much time on their hands.

Miley Cyrus has tweeted yet another picture of herself and her ultra miniature waist.

The Hannah Montana actress was clearly so impressed with her own figure, that she even chopped off her head from the snapshot to focus solely on her taut and toned midriff.

Alongside the picture, the 19-year-old added the caption: 'my "Fiance" jeans. but for real though.'

Too much time on her hands: Miley Cyrus posts yet another show-off picture of herself in which she flaunts her flat stomach, alongside the comment: 'my "Fiance" jeans. but for real though.'

The wording is a play on the popular boyfriend-style of jeans that are popular with girls who favour baggier trousers and the fact that Miley is now engaged to Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth.

Following the former Disney princess' obsession with Pilates and workouts, it seems her figure has continued to shrink, with Miley taunting critics by flaunting her sculpted body at every opportunity.

Even her fitness instructor spoke out on the issue, but in Miley's defense saying there is nothing to worry about when it comes to the Party In The USA singer's health.

Mari Winsor told People: 'I think people need to chill out. She's healthy and she feels good, that's the main thing. She's smart about her body. She wanted to sculpt her body, that's all.'

Then and now: Miley pictured in at a Brisbane gig in June 2011 - compared to her recent skinny minnie tweets

The fitness guru added: 'When this girl comes in, she is on fire. She's focused.'

But whatever Miley's secret, it seems she may not be so sure herself - or at least, doesn't want anyone to know.

Back in April, she claimed her changing shape was not a quest for size zero, but a health issue.

Cyrus tweeted: 'For everyone calling me anorexic I have a gluten and lactose allergy. It's not about weight, it's about health.'

However, last night she insists she does eat, saying: 'upallnighteatinchicken&waffles/makin beats'.


Shrinking: Miley is frequently seen heading to and from her Pilates classes in Hollywood flaunting her midriff



source:dailymail

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Tags: Miley Cyrus

By Bianca London


If Team GB are planning on giving out medals to their top supporters the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge should be in the running for gold.

After enthusiastically cheering on Andy Murray on the tennis courts of Wimbledon, South West London today, the couple zipped across town in time to see the British men's pursuit team smash the world record in their qualifying round and then go on to win gold in a breathtaking race.

No doubt Kate and William took advantage of the Olympic lanes in the Capital reserved for VIPs, and style icon Kate even found time to change out of her Stella McCartney shift dress and in to a sporty white polo shirt.


Jubilation: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge show their delight after Sir Chris Hoy, Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny stormed to success in the velodrome yesterday afternoon


William and Kate embrace in the crowd as Team GB storms home in the velodrome


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are close as they join in the fun with Prince Harry at the Veledrome with a wave

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William Duke of Cambridge cheer trackside while watching the cycling at the Velodrome

Joined by Prince Harry and Sophie Countess of Wessex in the seats the young Royal couple looked delighted to be attending yet another Olympic event.

Since the Games started on Saturday the two of them have taken full advantage of their VIP invites and have already been guests of honour at the equestrian events two days running and today's tennis.

Super supporter William visited Wembley to watch Team GB play football at the weekend as well as joining brother Harry at the rowing event in day five.

And they even found time to visit the athletes in the Olympic Village together on Tuesday where swimmer Rebecca Adlington gushed about Kate's navy blue shoes.


Another event, another Mexican wave ... the couple join in with the crowd at the velodrome with William watching them on the big screen up above


The delighted Duchess beams with excitement as she chats to Princess Anne's husband, Sir Timothy Laurence, and prepares to watch Chris Hoy and his pursuit team race in the final


Harry gives the cyclists a thumbs up as his brother and sister-in-law concentrate on the programme of events


Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Prime Minister David Cameron laugh as they watch the track cycling on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games


Prince William, Duke of Cambridge speaks with Prime Minister David Cameron

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prime Minister David Cameron take part in a Mexican wave as they watch the track cycling

As an ambassador for Team GB Kate's presence is a brilliant support for the team, and she followed up yesterday's patriotic wardrobe choice of a Team GB Union Jack scarf with a an official polo shirt from the organisation.

Husband William wore a matching navy version with smart chinos.

Arriving at the veledrome just in time to see Team GB break a world record in the qualifying round, the couple laughed and joked with other VIP guests including Prime Minister David Cameron who also joined the pair in a group Mexican wave, their second of the day.

Prior to the first record-breaking round world champion cyclist and pundit Mark Cavendish told the BBC: 'I'm not just expecting a win, I'm expecting them to smash it. They've got the best team in the world. They're on form, I know they are. They will break world records.'

He was right, and minutes later to the delight of the Royal spectators and the 4000 strong crowd in the velodrome the British team broke the world record in a time of three minutes 52.499 seconds.

Mark said: 'It was incredible. It was so smooth. They stayed so smooth and consistently kept plugging away and the world record came. I think they have got more to come. They have three rides at the Olympic Games, so they have to keep a little bit back but I think they will give more.'


Fans cheer on Great Britain's Chris Hoy after the team sprint qualifying on the first day of the track cycling at the Velodrome in the Olympic Park


Watch out Wiggins, golden boy Chris Hoy celebrates his win by raising a fist to the ecstatic crowds before accepting his fifth gold medal alongside Jason Kenny and Phil Hindes


In formation: Great Britain's men ride towards their new world record as the Velodrome crowd look on


Team GB sprint team Jason Kenny, Philip Hindes and Sir Chris Hoy pose with their gold medals

Fans celebrate in the Olympic Park as Sir Chris Hoy wins the gold medal in the Men's Team Sprint event

Jason Kenny, Chris Hoy and Phil Hindes then went on to beat France in the final breaking another world record and winning another gold for team GB.

Earlier today The Duke and Duchess were court side in the Royal Box at Wimbledon to cheer Andy Murray on to victory in the men's singles quarter finals against Nicolas Almagro of Spain.

After showing her emotion at Murray's Wimbledon defeat earlier this year, Kate seemed overjoyed to be returning to Centre Court to support the British favourite.

Kate and her husband William got into the supportive spirit quickly and joined in with another Mexican wave that ran through the crowd during the match.


Prince William and Kate joined the crowd in doing the wave at the match between Andy Murray and Nicolas Almagro at the All England Lawn Tennis Club at Wimbledon today


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge really got into the spirit of support Andy Murray in the men's singles quarter finals at Wimbledon today

The young Royals were great sports and got involved with the crowds cheering on Andy Murray at the match today

Kate looked as impossibly chic as ever in an electric blue £515 Stella McCartney knee-length dress which she teamed with her new favourite Smythe navy blazer with gold buttons that she has been spotted wearing to two Olympic events already this week.

Known for her wardrobe choice recyclables, Kate recently wore the blue dress to the opening of the The Road To 2012: Aiming High exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, which she teamed with a £49,000 gold hooped necklace.

She also wore her signature £145 Givenchy sunglasses to the event, which she has been sporting regularly throughout the Olympics.

The young Royals seemed to be enjoying the sunny day on Centre Court and, as keen tennis fans, they seemed delighted at being able to watch such a nail-biting match live.

The couple were accompanied by the president of the International Tennis Federation, Francesco Ricci Bitti, and were welcomed with a round of applause from the stands.

The Duke and Duchess looked relaxed as they chatted to each other between the points, and seemed happy to join in the fun with the crowd, taking part in the Mexican waves which spread around the stands during the change-overs.

The couple rose to their feet when Murray clinched victory in an emphatic two sets, winning by 6-4 6-1.

They were given another round of applause as they left the stands, while Murray, who will now play either Novak Djokovic or Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last four, walked off the court to deafening cheers.

Andy Murray, one of Team GB's strong podium hopefuls, has moved within one match of securing at least a silver medal at the Olympic Games after dismantling Spaniard Nicolas Almagro in today's quarter-final.

The Scot - who lost only a month ago in the Wimbledon final to Roger Federer - is desperate to earn a gold medal at the Games after his plucky defeat at SW19, and must progress through the semi-final and the final to fulfill his dream.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic or France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga await the Scot now, and he could meet world No 1 Federer in the final.

Being cheered on by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, his Mother, Judy, and girlfriend Kim Sears - the Scot sought to take the game to his opponent.

After winning he threw his wrist bands in the air, and roared before his signature salute to the skies before leaving the court, proving just how much an Olympic podium place would mean to him.

After his tearful Wimbledon final defeat to Federer, Murray is on course to take an Olympic medal one way or the other. But with Djokovic or Tsonga lying in wait, it will be tough for the Scot to achieve bronze or silver.

Speaking after his win he said: 'We get to watch a lot of the Olympics on the TV, and we saw cycling and rowing starting to pick up the medal count yesterday and the team is doing well, so hopefully I can add to that.

'The pressure and the atmosphere is different for the Olympics, but once I'm on court, I'm trying to play the way I played at Wimbledon. If you try and change, it generally doesn't work out that well.'


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked delighted with Murray's victory today which sets him in a good position for taking home a medal


The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked very happy as they watched Great Britain's Andy Murray in action, Kate, who is a keen tennis fan regularly watches the sport

Kate looked effortlessly chic in a bright blue knee-length dress which she matched with her favourite navy blazer and a blue velvet clutch. The electric blue Stella McCartney number was Kate's outfit choice just a few weeks ago at the opening of a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery

Kate and William avidly watched on with tense expressions as Murray suffered a slight wobble in the fourth game when he double-faulted twice, but held and then broke his opponent again in the following game with a brilliant forehand.

The Scot held superbly before breaking the Spaniard again in the seventh game to seal a victory that was greeted by a standing ovation from the crowd, including the Royal couple.

Despite the crowd's enthusiasm for the British number one's Olympics bid, there were still rows of empty seats in the stands, particularly in the lower tiers.

Hundreds of fans visiting the All England Club without tickets to the match gathered outside the court on Murray Mound to watch the action on the big screen as the sun shone down.

Murray was delighted with the quickfire victory in front of William and Kate.

He said: 'I didn't speak to them after the match but it's always nice when you're playing in front of royalty.

'When you get people like that coming along it helps raise the profile of the sport.

'It was a good performance today. I served well and that helped. It was good to get it finished early. I didn't want a long match because I am playing in the doubles this afternoon. Now I hope I can get a medal.'

Murray was disappointed to see rows of empty seats on Court One, however, and urged organisers to make sure the stands are full for his semi-final, and Sunday's medal matches.

'I would like to see all the seats full in all of the stadium but for whatever reason they haven't been,' the Scot said.

'The support inside and outside the stadiums has been great so hopefully over the weekend we will get all the courts packed.

'Centre Court was really busy the last two rounds I have played on there and hopefully they will all be full. Everyone wants to see that.

'Lots of people want to see the Games, there are lots of people trying to get tickets and it's not easy so I don't want to see any empty seats.'


The young Royals both looked effortlessly smart in the Royal box today as they cheered Andy Murray on to victory. William was once again spotted sporting his Team GB pin


Thank heavens for that: Murray did his signature salute to the skies after winning against Almagro at the quarter finals match today


Kate and William were immersed in the match and looked tense as they watched the Olympic hopeful play


Tennis fans gathered to watch Andy Murray play Nicolas Almagro in the Quarterfinal of Men's Singles Tennis on Day 6 of the London 2012 Olympic Games at Wimbledon


source:dailymail

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Tags: Olympic Games 2012

By Jennifer Madison


They say beauty is pain... and that may have been the case for Kim Kardashian's neck after sitting in a hair salon for a reported five hours today.

The raven-locked reality star emerged after getting a snip (and presumably a few other indulgences), with glossy waves tumbling around her shoulders.

The marathon trip was par for the course for Kim, however, being is known to keep herself perfectly primped and polished for the camera.

Perfectly coiffed: Kim Kardashian spent a reported five hours at a West Hollywood beauty salon on Thursday

The 31-year-old multihyphenate was photographed sitting in a salon chair while a female stylist combed her finger's through her freshly dried hair.

And while most would take the moment to tune the world out, it seemed Kim was reluctant to relax, clinging to her iPhone and making sure it didn't die out with a charger attached in a nearby socket.

Glossy locks: Kim emerged after the sun had set, with freshly painted nails and shiny hair - and surprisingly stepped out barefoot, lest she smudge her polish

Kim appeared to have had a pedicure as well, holding her feet up with tissue paper tucked between her toes to prevent the polish from sticking.

And her make-up was done in perfect detail - a lash of pink lipstick highlighting her pout, and enough black eyeliner to give her a smouldering gaze.

Walking out of the salon, she was undeniably glowing, her skin and hair the main attraction in her safely all-black ensemble.


Before: The reality star, 31, walked into the salon wearing her favourite leather leggings with a matching waterfall blazer and heels

Glued to her phone: Kim was seen clutching her iPhone throughout her pampering session

Not one to skimp on beauty treatments when out or at home, she carried a bag of Kevin Murphy products as she left the West Hollywood salon according to Splash News, whose photographers captured the reported five-hour beauty session.

Somewhat out of character, she juggled her heels alongside her phone and handbag, hobbling to the car barefoot, lest she smudge her pedicure.

Kim, who some might say is a modern-day bombshell, surely enjoyed the pampering session after an exhausting day on set for a recent fashion photoshoot.

A different look: Kim twirled her hair up into a messy bun before she landed in London in May

Yesterday, she likened herself to Sophia Loren as she tweeted an array of pictures of herself slipping into costume.

'I love playing dress up,' she wrote on her Twitter page, with the accompanying snap of herself in a shimmering silver backless dress.

Earlier she posted a picture of herself puckering up her lips in front of the mirror, her hair, sans her usual extensions, coiffed into a bouffant style.

'Finding my inner Sophia Loren,' she mused.


source:dailymail

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Tags: Kim Kardashian