Helen Jenkins retires from pro racing
Helen Jenkins, one of the most successful British female triathletes ever, has announced her retirement from professional racing.
Twice a winner of the World Triathlon Championship title under both the one day (2008) and series format (2011) she can also count three Olympic Games and a host of World Triathlon Series victories and podiums on her career record.
It’s been far from easy injuries have never been too far away but Jenkins and her team have always been able to navigate the treatment rooms and rehab and return to the top tier of the sport.
I have made the decision to stop racing professionally.
The decision was made a few months ago, but it has taken a while to process everything the thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
I started triathlon when I was 15. At 18, I left school to see if I could make it as an elite. Looking back, maybe it was a bit of a gamble – my school careers advisor certainly thought so and let me know it! Luckily, that gamble paid off.
I turned senior and earned two bronze medals at my first two World Cup (now series) races which was a good confidence boost. These turned into two World Triathlon championship titles three if you count the Mixed Team Relay – three Olympic Games, an MBE and numerous podiums on the World Triathlon Series. It’s time to stop the ‘elite side’.
I don’t want a big song and dance about stopping racing, I don’t like a fuss! It’s not really in my nature to talk about my achievements, but I do want to draw a line under this part of my career in triathlon as I move onto the next phase.
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I’m not a fan of the word retirement. I am, and will always be, a triathlete for life. I may not be at the starting line-up anymore but I will always swim, bike and run. I love training and feeling fit – it’s a part of me and keeps me happy. Marc and I have a triathlon coaching business, Jinx Sport, which I love being involved in and now have a bit more time to commit to it.