Helen Jenkins facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Helen Jenkins
MBE

Jenkins at the 2010 World Championships Series event in Kitzbühel
Personal information
Birth name	Helen Rebecca Tucker
Born	(1984-03-08) 8 March 1984 (age 41) Elgin, Moray, Scotland
Height	1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Weight	55 kg (121 lb)
Sport
Country	Wales
Club	Giant Racing
Team	Corus Triathlon
Coached by	Rick Velati Marc Jenkins
Medal record Women's Triathlon Representing  Great Britain ITU World Championships Gold 2008 Vancouver Elite Gold 2011 Beijing Elite Gold 2011 Lausanne Team

Helen Rebecca Jenkins (born 8 March 1984), whose maiden name was Tucker, is a famous triathlete from Britain. She has won the Triathlon World Championships twice, in 2008 and 2011. Helen has also proudly represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games in 2008, 2012, and 2016. She also competed for Wales in the Commonwealth Games.

Helen Jenkins' Triathlon Career

Helen Jenkins, silver medalist at the World Championship triathlon in Kitzbuhel, 2011.

Helen Jenkins a few seconds before the start in Kitzbuhel, 2011.

Helen Jenkins on her way to the bronze medal at the World Championship Series Triathlon in Madrid, 2010.

Helen Jenkins in Lausanne, 2011.

Helen Jenkins started her triathlon journey early. She became the British Junior Champion in 2003. Later, she won the Elite Champion title in 2006. Before that, she earned a silver medal in the elite category in 2005.

Early Successes and Challenges

Helen also took part in many important non-ITU (International Triathlon Union) events. For example, in 2009, she won the London Triathlon. She had competed in this race before, placing 7th in 2003, 5th in 2004, and 5th in 2005.

In 2006, Helen faced a tough challenge. She got an injury to her Achilles tendon. After trying to return in 2007, her ankle injury caused problems again.

Olympic and World Championship Achievements

Despite her injuries, Helen showed great strength. In 2008, she won the World Championships held in Vancouver. She also competed in the Olympic Games in Beijing that same year, finishing 21st.

Helen represented Great Britain again at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She performed well, finishing in 5th place. She also competed in the 2016 Olympic Games.

Recognition and Comeback

In 2019, Helen was honored for her amazing contributions to triathlon. She was given the title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is a special award from the British government.

After having her second child, Helen also had back surgery. This stopped her from competing for four years. But with incredible determination, she decided to return to professional racing. Her first race back was the Ironman 70.3 Dubai, where she finished 4th. Helen is now supported by several sports brands as she continues her racing career.

Helen's Personal Life

Helen Jenkins grew up in Bridgend, Wales. She married her friend and coach, Marc Jenkins, on October 30, 2008. Their wedding took place at Disney World in Orlando.

Helen's ITU Competition Results

Between 2002 and 2010, Helen Jenkins competed in 42 ITU events. She finished in the top ten 28 times, winning 14 medals. The list below shows her results in various competitions. Unless noted, these events are triathlons in the Elite category.

BG = the sponsor British Gas · DNF = did not finish · DNS = did not start

See also

In Spanish: Helen Jenkins para niños