Katarina Johnson-Thompson conquers the world again

British heptathlete who feared “blending into the background” strikes global gold for a second time after coming out on top in an outstanding multi-event battle

After finishing eighth at last year’s World Championships in Eugene, Katarina Johnson-Thompson began to fear anonymity. Of not being a factor on the global stage. Of fading away. “I thought I’d blend into the background and become one of those athletes that just made up the numbers,” she said. “That was the last thing I wanted.”

On a sultry Sunday evening in Budapest, however, the 2019 heptathlon champion conquered the world once again. “This is the best day of my life,” grinned the 30-year-old after a truly breathtaking battle with young American star Anna Hall.

Johnson-Thompson is one of the most honest athletes on the circuit and there was a frank admission that, after a multitude of setbacks, she had not expected to find herself in this position again.

That she has speaks volumes for her power of resilience. A ruptured Achilles which came during the year after her golden moment in Doha was followed by a torn calf muscle which destroyed her Olympic hopes in Tokyo and then required surgery. Each left their mark in more ways than one.

There was the brighter note of a Commonwealth title last summer but it was only slight rebound after hitting rock bottom in Oregon.

Much like she showed in Budapest on Sunday (August 20), though, there was a refusal to go quietly into the night. Instead, under the wise tutelage of coach Aston Moore a rebuilding process has been able to take hold. Bit by bit, confidence was being rediscovered, new life being breathed into a career. The competitive spirit revived.

A second-place finish at the renowned Hypomeeting in Götzis behind Hall back in May with her best heptathlon score in four years was of massive help, as were encouraging interim performances from the hand-picked events she had competed in in the lead-up to Budapest.

“All I want in this sport is to toe the line in the 800m and to have a shot,” said Johnson-Thompson. That target was certainly achieved thanks to a highly impressive start to day two of competition which put her out in front in Hungary.

The Briton had begun the day in second place on 3905 points, 93 behind Hall, but overturned the deficit by leaping out to 6.54m in the long jump – 35cm further than the American managed – before landing a PB throw of 46.14m in the javelin.

With just the 800m to go, her advantage…