Helen started competing in triathlons at the age of 16 and has gone on to take two world titles.
HELEN JENKINS is a British professional triathlete and the 2008 and 2011 ITU World Champion. She has competed at the Olympic Games twice and despite several injury setbacks is still fighting with the belief that she can and will be the best in the world.
In this exclusive interview Helen opens up about what it is that keeps her going and shares with us some of her biggest accomplishments in the sport. Read on to find out how she felt like racing in front of a home crowd at the London Olympics in 2012 and the advice she has for aspiring athletes.
To read more about Helen and to follow her blogs visit www.helenjenkins.co.uk.
When did your passion for triathlon begin and what were any early successes you had in the sport?
I was originally in a swimming club when a friend’s father, who was Welsh triathlon coach at the time, asked if any of us were interested in giving triathlon a go. I went along to a few training days and ended up going on a trip with the Welsh junior team to Ireland. I was never particularly good as a kid or even a junior but I enjoyed the sport and was quite good at a British level having not done a lot of specific training. I was 16 when I went to Ireland. Triathlon wasn’t completely new to me as my father had done some triathlon in the past when I was younger.
Photo Delly Carr / triathlon.org
What have been your biggest accomplishments in the sport to date?
Two-time world champion in both 2008 when it was a one-day event and then winning the series in 2011 and a two-time Olympian.
Helen competed in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.
Tell us about your experiences of the Olympics in 2012 and the journey that got you there?
To race in front of a home crowd in London 2012 was fantastic and something I will never forget or probably ever experience again. The race wasn’t good for me. I was injured for the ten weeks leading into the games and simply couldn’t prepare even close to what was needed to get the result I could have. I came fifth which was good considering the build up to the race, it was a pretty stressful journey to the games but its always an honour to be an Olympian.
WTS Abu Dhabi – credit Janos Schmidt / triathlon.org
What is it about triathlon that makes you tick?
At this point in my life it’s my career, it’s the way I earn money and I am able to survive in the world, but I am lucky that I love it too. It can be really tough, through all the injuries over the last few years, there have been times I thought I should quit as emotionally it was tough to cope with constant setbacks but there is something that keeps me going and trying to improve, so I must love it! If my body holds together I know I can be one of the best in the world. I always want to get better and it’s the challenge of doing that and giving myself opportunity to win on any given day that keeps me moving forward.
You can find out more about Helen at www.helenjenkins.co.uk.
In which discipline of triathlon do you excel at and where do you have to work the hardest?
Over all I have had to work the hardest in the gym and keeping my body together. The training is easy for me, if I can train, I can compete with the best in the world, but I have a problem with my back and if I am not on top of my gym work and conditioning then I am not able to train consistently.
photo Janos Schmidt / triathlon.org
What would you your words of advice be to anyone, particularly women, who are inspired by your success and achievements?
Set yourself a goal, write it down and then set a few smaller goals on the way to your big goal. It’s easier to commit to something and prepare properly if you have a goal. Also remember nobody is perfect, there will be days you want to quit and don’t want to work towards you goal, don’t beat yourself up about it if you have a setback, just refocus and get back to your goal when you can, goals and training are important but a balanced and happy life will help you achieve your goals.
photo Delly Carr / triathlon.org
