Jessica Ennis could compete in 2017 World Championships

Ennis is one of the favourites for gold in the heptathlon at London 2012

Jessica Ennis may prolong her career after London's successful bid to stage the 2017 World Championships.

The Sheffield heptathlete had intended to retire after the 2016 Rio Olympics.

But Ennis, 25, who won gold at the Worlds in Berlin in 2009 and silver in Daegu this year, says the announcement could see her carry on a further year.

She told The Times: "The fact that there will now be a World Championships on home soil the following year will probably change my thinking."

Ennis, who has been a key figure in the marketing of the London 2012 Olympics, believes the physicality of her discipline will take its toll.

She said: "The heptathlon is such a gruelling event, there are only so many years you can cope with waking up with your body screaming at you.

"I will be 31 and nearing retirement by the time the 2017 World Championships come around.

"I hope that is not too old and that there is still some life in my bones. [London's successful bid] is certainly a major incentive to carry on for another year."