Helen Jenkins facts for kids
Jenkins at the 2010 World Championships Series event in Kitzbühel
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||
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| Birth name | Helen Rebecca Tucker | |||||||||||||||||||
| Born | 8 March 1984 Elgin, Moray, Scotland |
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| Height | 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 55 kg (121 lb) | |||||||||||||||||||
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| Country | Wales | |||||||||||||||||||
| Club | Giant Racing | |||||||||||||||||||
| Team | Corus Triathlon | |||||||||||||||||||
| Coached by | Rick Velati Marc Jenkins |
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Medal record
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Helen Rebecca Jenkins, born Tucker MBE (born 8 March 1984), is a famous British triathlete. She has won the Triathlon World Championships twice, in 2008 and 2011. Helen has also proudly represented Great Britain at the Olympic Games three times (2008, 2012, and 2016). She also competed for Wales in the Commonwealth Games.
Contents
Helen Jenkins' Triathlon Journey
Early Career and Achievements
Helen Jenkins became the British Junior Champion in 2003. Later, in 2006, she won the Elite Champion title. Before that, in 2005, she earned a silver medal as an elite athlete. Helen also took part in many important non-ITU (International Triathlon Union) races. For example, she won the London Triathlon in 2009. She had raced in this event several times before, finishing 7th in 2003 and 5th in both 2004 and 2005.
Overcoming Challenges
In 2006, Helen faced a tough challenge when she injured her Achilles tendon. This is a strong cord at the back of your ankle. After trying to return in 2007, the ankle injury bothered her again. But she didn't give up! In 2008, she showed amazing strength by winning the World Championships in Vancouver. She also competed in the Olympic Games in Beijing that year, finishing 21st.
Helen continued to represent Great Britain. She competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, where she finished in 5th place.
Recognition and Comeback
For her great contributions to triathlon, Helen was given a special award. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2019. This is a high honor in the United Kingdom.
After having her second child, Helen faced another big challenge. She needed back surgery, which kept 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 an impressive 4th. Helen works with several partners like HUUB, On Running, Vitus bikes, and Clif nutrition to support her return to the sport. She also gets support from Enve Wheels, Stages Cycling, Continental tyres, and Oakley.
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.
ITU Competition Highlights
Between 2002 and 2010, Helen Jenkins competed in 42 ITU events. She achieved top ten finishes 28 times, winning 14 medals in total. These events included various World Cups and World Championship Series races, where she consistently performed at a high level. Her dedication and talent led her to win two World Championship titles, showing her as one of the best triathletes in the world.
See also
In Spanish: Helen Jenkins para niños
