Video: Jessica Ennis' mother: my daughter was born with her determination The mother of British athlete Jessica Ennis has shared her thoughts, hopes and fears about raising the daughter who has become a famous face of British athletics and the London 2012 Olympics Team GB. Alison Powell described how determined Ennis was as a child. "I think she was born with her determination, her desire to achieve and I think it's been my job to nurture that," Ms Powell said. She added: "I did worry at one point that she was quite selfish and it's only as time has gone on that I've realised that's what's made her successful." But Ennis' mother has a lot of praise for her daughter. Quietly I'm, you know, really really proud. I can be walking down the street and think "Yeah my daughters a world champion and that's enough for me.""