Reaction to Jessica Ennis' gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics

Jessica Ennis reacts after winning the gold medal (GETTY IMAGES)

Denise Lewis hailed a "truly remarkable" performance from Jessica Ennis who launched a golden night for Great Britain in the Olympic Stadium by clinching the heptathlon title.

Ennis won her 800 metres heat with an impressive sprint finish to set a new personal best of 6,955 points, improving her British record but more importantly securing the gold medal which many felt was her destiny.

"She's been outstanding," said Lewis, Olympic heptathlon champion for Great Britain 12 years ago in Sydney.

"She's been remarkable. People love her, they really do.

"I'm so proud to have witnessed this, it's truly remarkable."

Michael Johnson, among the greatest track Olympians, praised the way Ennis coped with the pressure as the unofficial face of the London Games.

Ennis delivered the title in impressive style, finishing 327 points ahead of Russia's Tatyana Chernova, making up for the disappointment of missing the 2008 Olympics with a foot injury.

"That's a phenomenal performance," former American sprinter Johnson told BBC1.

"Not making the Beijing Olympic team with the injury, and now being able to come to a home Olympics and in front of home crowd and prove she's the best and perform under the incredible pressure she's under.

"And even with bumps along the road a personal best.

"It was a fantastic performance by Jess and I'm really happy for her."

Britain's double swimming bronze medallist Rebecca Adlington wrote: "Amazing J-Ennis you're incredible! The face of the Games and achieved your dream. Incredible! #OurGreatestTeam"

Cycling hero Sir Chris Hoy added: "That's how to do it!! Finish the job in style! Just superb J-Ennis !!!!"

American Bryan Clay, the reigning Olympic decathlon champion, offered his salute to Sheffield's finest, writing: "Congrats to Gold Medalist J-Ennis, phenomenal job!!!! #fb"

Oscar Pistorius, the South African 'blade runner' who reached the 400 metres semi-finals today, wrote on Twitter: "Well done to J-Ennis on her Olympic Gold in the Heptathlon! You handled that with such poise and carried the weight of your nation forward!"

PA