JESSICA ENNIS-HILL’S golden comeback at the World Championships meant just as much to her as London 2012, with the podium-topping display surpassing the British heptathlete’s wildest expectations just 13 months after the birth of her son.

Just four weeks ago it was still unclear whether the Olympic champion would compete in Beijing, having only returned to action in May following the arrival of Reggie last summer.

However, a promising performance at the Anniversary Games saw Ennis-Hill put herself forward for selection – a decision she justified in some style at the Bird’s Nest.

The 29-year-old edged a fascinating battle with compatriot Katarina Johnson-Thompson on Saturday to take the overnight lead, which she pushed on from with solid displays in the long jump and javelin.

Ennis-Hill did not let that golden chance slip, winning her 800 metres heat in 2 minutes 10.13 seconds to add another world crown to the one she won in Berlin six years ago – success which meant just as much as her London 2012 triumph.

“It’s really hard but they’re definitely like that,” she said, holding her hands together level. “It’s definitely one of the greatest moments of my career. I still can’t believe it.

“Me and Toni (Minichiello, coach) only wanted to come here if I was ready to contend for a medal.

“We spoke about a bronze medal – that would be amazing – and a silver medal, but we never spoke about a gold. I just thought it was beyond me this year.”

Meanwhile, Usain Bolt rode to the rescue of his beleaguered sport in the toughest race of his career as he dashed Justin Gatlin’s hopes of 100 metres gold.

The Jamaican lived up to his billing as the saviour of athletics as he held off the challenge of the two-time drug cheat to win in 9.79 seconds at the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Gatlin stumbled across the line 0.01secs behind as the crisis-hit sport breathed a huge sigh of relief.

Bolt, for whom this was a 10th individual global title, said: “Coming back from injury I’ve had a lot of doubters, it’s been a tough road

“So for me to come to the championships and defend my title is a good feeling. ”The Jamaican’s reaction was a shrug of bemusement. And the most relaxed man in sport showed no sign of nerves on the start line.

Instead, Gatlin was the one to crack when the heat was on.

The veteran, who will get a shot at revenge when he and Bolt go head to head over 200m, felt he “gave away” victory.

“I stumbled in the last five metres, my arms got a little flaily,” he said.

“You have to come out and run and over the last five metres it wasn’t my day to do so.

“Anyone who goes to the line to go against Usain has to be ready to go to work. In those five metres I let things get away from me. It cost me the race.

“I leaned a little too far forward, and I got a little off balance.”

Gatlin simply stated “I’m thankful” when asked repeatedly for his thoughts on the sport willing him not to win.

It was a sentiment shared by many.