World hepathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill has admitted that she would have been happy with bronze after her time out of the sport.
The 29-year-old, competing in her first major championships since London 2012, took gold with an overall points total of 6669, 113 clear of pre-event favourite Brianne Thiesen-Eaton.
After finishing the 800m, the Olympic champion suggested that she was unsure whether she would even take part in Beijing.
Ennis-Hill told BBC Sport: "I'm lost for words. I can't believe I'm here. This time last year I'd just had my son and now I'm here competing.
"It was a massive surprise to be here. There were doubts before the Anniversary Games but performing in London showed me I was making progress. If I'd come away with a bronze I'd have been so happy, so to win gold is unbelievable.
"This has been the hardest year ever. There were different pressures going into London 2012, but here juggling all my mummy duties has been even harder. I want to thank everyone for their help and sacrifices in helping me get back to being the athlete I was."
Laura Ikauniece-Admidina of Latvia took bronze with a national record.
Chris O'Keefe
