Ennis not concerned by Sotherton challenge

By Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat

IT would seem that the Tadpole has turned, after Jess Ennis admitted that Kelly Sotherton isn't on her radar ahead of this summer's European Championships in Barcelona.

ON THE RISE: Double world champion Jess Ennis has eclipsed British rival Kelly Sotherton (left) in the last 12 months (Getty Images)

Sotherton, the Olympic bronze medallist in 2004, has never lived down her nickname for Ennis - who has since gone on to become something of a big fish, after winning the world heptathlon title in Germany last year and indoor pentathlon title in Doha two months ago.

Injuries sidelined Sotherton from competing in Berlin and an appearance at the McCain Indoor City Challenge, when she took part in the shot, is her only outing in 2010.

"I am not sure what Kelly is up to at the minute and it is not something that I am thinking about at all," said Ennis. 

"She is a great athlete and has obviously had trouble with injuries and things but I don't think about her.

"I haven't spoken to Kelly in ages and I just want to think about what I am doing at the minute and concentrate on my next events.

"All I am thinking about is Gotzis at the end of May - going there, performing well and staying in good shape.

"I have had a good year so far and I want to keep improving and focusing on what I need to do ahead of the European Championships."

Ennis has already said she won't travel to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi while defending champion Sotherton is another absentee - insisting she has nothing to prove at the event.