Triathlon

The Power of Reflection: Failure is a Learning Opportunity

What does failure mean to you? It's really interesting question just reflected a little bit on it and I definitely had goals. I failed, I failed to achieve them. I didn't make them like a big one for me. I really wanted to become an Olympic medalist and I suppose that's a goal I failed in. But when I reflect on that it was not a failure. Because I learnt so much from the experiences. The whole process of driving towards those goals was so good. I learn so much along the way, so maybe Maybe a failure is, when you are trying to achieve something, you don't get that. You don't learn from it. If you don't do that reflection afterwards. If you don't look back at a situation and work out, what you could have done better, maybe that is what the failure is.

Failure to me means not learning from a situation, not looking back and reflecting on what could have been done better.

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What does failure mean to me? It's an interesting question that made me reflect on my own experiences. I had goals that I didn't achieve, such as becoming an Olympic medalist. At first, it may seem like a failure, but upon reflection, I realized that it wasn't. I learned so much from the process and the journey towards those goals. So, perhaps failure is not achieving something, but rather not learning from it. If we don't take the time to reflect on a situation and identify what could have been done better, that is where failure truly lies.

What injury was toughest to recover from during your career?

Olympic Hopeful's Toughest Recovery: Misdiagnosed Knee Injury Revealed True Cause

What injury was the toughest to recover from in my career? And the toughest. When was a knee injury, either injured about 10 weeks before the London Olympics, which was a home Olympic. So it was a big deal. There was a lot of pressure, I was one of the favorites going in. So it was a knee injury. It with the payment agonizing. I've never felt pain like it. I mean, I couldn't bend my knee. I mean, it was struggling to walk. I did get better leading up to the games, but went to so many doctors to see what was wrong. I mean, one doctor offered me knee. A bit, all scans of my knee, didn't show anything wrong. So I went to the games, not in full form, obviously due to the injury and it took another sort of six months after that to figure out the injury was coming from my back and we did some exploratory injections into my lower spine and, and it actually cured it really quick, then, but it was so tough because the pain site was obviously different from where the injury is coming from. It's a nerve problem in my lower back and it just took a while to get the right person to make that connection. So that was what and mentally as well, it was really tough because I've gone through the whole emotion of dealing with an Olympic Games and this injury kind of took away my best results at an Olympic game. So, yeah, that was a really tough one, but I do know so much more about that kind of nerve connection to my lower limbs. Now and know how much like how important that is to find out the right person to look at your injury so they can figure it help you to figure it out.

I suffered a knee injury 10 weeks before the London Olympics, which was very painful and mentally draining. It took me a while to figure out that the injury was coming from my lower back, and it took an exploratory injection to fix it. This experience taught me a lot about how important it is to find the right person to diagnose injuries.

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The toughest injury to recover from in my career was a knee injury that occurred about 10 weeks before the London Olympics, which was a significant event for me as it was a home Olympic. The pain was excruciating, and I struggled to bend my knee and walk. Despite some improvement leading up to the games, I visited numerous doctors who couldn't identify the issue. I participated in the games, but my performance was affected due to the injury.

It took another six months to discover that the injury was actually originating from my back. After undergoing exploratory injections into my lower spine, the problem was quickly resolved. However, it was mentally challenging because the pain was in a different location from the actual injury. It was a nerve problem in my lower back, and it took time to find the right person who could make that connection.

Dealing with this injury was tough not only physically but also mentally, as it affected my performance at the Olympic Games. However, I gained valuable knowledge about the nerve connection to my lower limbs and the importance of finding the right professional to diagnose and treat injuries.

How did you find the transition from pro athlete to coach and commentator?

From Pro Athlete to Commentator: A Surprising Transition

Thanks for the question. How did I find the transition from pro athlete to coach and commentator? I was a big change. My intention was to keep racing professionally after covid. I did a one long-distance race before all the lockdowns and then by the time we got to the end and racing and started back again, I was just so exhausted by covid. I had a few niggles and then the opportunity to do the commentary came up because the commentary was all being done in London. And I started doing it and I really enjoyed it. I done some in the past but it was always when I was injured or when I was pregnant. So I wasn't really into it. But this time I started it and absolutely loved it. I really try to give a bit of insight into what the athletes are going through during the race and hopefully give a fair perspective to all a, you know, a fair representation of all the athletes, but it has been a big change. I do love the commentary, I miss feeling fit. I'm definitely not fit. As I think what's known as a pro athlete. I He's doing as much training but it just takes time and adjustment. And yeah, I think as long as you're enjoying what you're doing, that transition is always a little bit easier. I'm not currently doing too much coaching a little bit of stuff on an app which is like group sessions which I absolutely love you. Get that like direct feedback. So yeah, I'm just going to see how it goes and see what kind of comes up next and just keep trying, lots of new opportunities that come my way and thanks for the question again.

The transition from pro athlete to coach and commentator was a big change for me. I initially tried to keep racing professionally after Covid, but ended up taking the opportunity to do commentary instead. I enjoy giving insight into what the athletes are going through during the race and providing a fair representation of all the athletes. I'm also doing a bit of coaching on an app and am open to seeing what other opportunities come my way.

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The transition from being a professional athlete to becoming a coach and commentator was a significant change for me. Initially, my plan was to continue racing professionally after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I felt exhausted and had a few minor injuries, so I decided to take a break. During this time, the opportunity to do commentary work in London arose, and I decided to give it a try.

I had done some commentary in the past, but it was always when I was injured or pregnant, so I wasn't fully invested in it. However, this time I started doing it and found that I absolutely loved it. I enjoyed providing insights into what the athletes were experiencing during the races and striving to offer a fair representation of all the athletes.

The transition has been a significant change, and I do miss the feeling of being fit. Currently, I'm not training as much as I used to when I was a professional athlete. However, I'm embracing the adjustment and focusing on enjoying what I'm doing. I'm also doing some coaching through an app, which allows me to have direct interaction and provide feedback to group sessions, which I find incredibly fulfilling.

I'm open to new opportunities and will see what comes next in my journey. I appreciate the question, and I'm excited to explore the various possibilities that come my way.

Triathlete's Iconic Sydney Race: Fulfilling Childhood Dreams

What was my most favorite race? My favors race was not the one that I did the best in. But when that was really iconic to me. So it's when we race in Sydney, we erased there a few times for the world Triathlon series. And when I was first getting into Triathlon, the Sydney Olympics were on. It was the first Olympics and I remember watching it and not being that bothered about it, but really kind of enjoying it. So just, you know, just a kid kind of that all this is interesting, but when I actually got to go there and we like Like we were in front of the Sydney Opera House, diving off the Pontoon or it was incredible. It was such an amazing experience and I think I realized okay there give me got second one time but I always loved racing in Australia to me. Like when I was growing up so many of the good triathletes what Australians and I always really looked up to them. So to be in Australia racing, I just loved it. And then in somewhere as iconic as Sydney, it was absolutely amazing. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to race. Their, thank you for the question.

I most enjoyed racing in Sydney, Australia due to the iconic setting and the fact that many of the great triathletes I looked up to were Australian.

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My favorite race wasn't necessarily the one where I performed the best, but it was a truly iconic experience for me. It was when we raced in Sydney for the World Triathlon Series. When I first started getting into triathlon, the Sydney Olympics were taking place, and I remember watching it with interest. So, when I had the chance to actually race in Sydney, it was incredible. We were in front of the Sydney Opera House, diving off the Pontoon, and it was such an amazing experience. Even though I got second place once, I always loved racing in Australia. Growing up, many of the top triathletes were Australian, and I looked up to them. So, being able to race in Australia, especially in such an iconic city like Sydney, was absolutely amazing. I'm grateful for the opportunity to have raced there. Thank you for asking about my favorite race.

What kinds of things do you do for mobility before and after training?

Dynamic Pre- and Post-Training Mobility Routines Unveiled

Yr hyn yw'r pethau y gaf i'w wneud ar gyfer ymgyrchu cyn a chweithio? Nid ydw i'n gwneud llawer o bethau oherwydd dwi ddim yn ymgyrchwr gweithredol, mae'n ymwneud â'r amser, felly rydw i'n gwneud ychydig o bethau, ac mae'n ymddangos bod ychydig o bethau yn mynd i mi. Mae gen i teuluoedd ifanc, felly os oes gen i 60 munud o gynllun, rydw i eisiau gynllunio am 60 munud, felly dwi ddim yn eisiau gwneud ychydig o bethau. Yn ysbrydol, byddwn yn gwneud sgwats o fodi a'r fyc, a rhai gwyliau, rhywbeth ychydig o ddynamic, ond mae'n ymddangos i mi fynd i ffwrdd. Ar ôl ymchwil, byddwn yn ychydig o ffwrdd drwy fy ngwyriau a chroesawu fy ngwyriau ychydig o ffyrdd. Ac ar ôl ysbrydol a ffyrdd, rwy'n gwybod bod hynny'n ymwneud â'ch gweithredu a phethau, ond rydw i'n ymwneud â gwneud ychydig o ffwrdd drwy fy ffyniau, rwy'n cael rhai bwysau, felly mae'n ymwneud â rhagor o bwysau, felly mae'n ymwneud â rhaid i mi fynd i ffwrdd drwy fy ffyniau, ond os gallwn gael ychydig o ffyrdd ar ei le, mae'n ymwneud â rhaid i mi fynd i ffwrdd drwy fy ffyniau.

Before training I do some body weight squats, lunges and stretching to warm up. After running and biking I use a foam roller on my feet to help with foot problems, and do some hip flexor stretches to avoid injuries.

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The question is, what kinds of things do I do for mobility before and after training? I don't do many things because I'm not an active athlete, it's about time, so I do a few things, and it seems like a few things work for me. I have young families, so if I have a 60-minute schedule, I want to plan for 60 minutes, so I don't want to do a few things. Spiritually, I would do some stretching and yoga, and some breaks, something a little dynamic, but it seems like I'm going away. After researching, I would do a little warm-up and welcome my warm-ups in a few ways. And after the spiritual and warm-ups, I know that it involves your actions and things, but I'm involved in doing a little warm-up through my breaths, I get some weights, so it involves more weights, so I have to go through my breaths, but if I can get a few ways in its place, it involves me going through my breaths.

What would you tell your younger self about triathlon and why?

Confidence and Individuality: Advice for Young Triathletes

What would I tell my younger self about Triathlon and why when I first started Triathlon I was about 15 and I was really lucky. I was training by got the train with Annalise heard. He was a double World, Junior, Triathlon Champion that time and Jodi swallow. Who's also an expert on here? She was, she was just coming in to trial, and she was a national running Champion. She was a national swimming champion and me at 15 I hadn't done very much. I was average swimmer. So, Average Runner. So I thought how am I going to be able to compete with these amazing athletes? Have already done so much so I would tell myself I did get this eventually but I would tell myself to be more confident and just follow my own path and take my time and not compare myself to too many other people because I feel like that comparison really like pulled me back for those first few years, I just didn't think I was going to be able to do it because all these other people had all these amazing achievements and it just takes time and you just really have to go out. Your own pace and kind of do the stuff that works for you but it took me quite a few years to work that out. So I do wish I'd been able to do that earlier. Thank you for the question.

I would tell my younger self to be more confident and not compare myself to other athletes. It takes time to become a successful triathlete, so just go at your own pace and do what works for you.

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If I could tell my younger self something about triathlon, it would be to be more confident and follow my own path. When I first started triathlon at 15, I was fortunate to train with incredible athletes who had already achieved so much. I felt intimidated and wondered how I could compete with them when I considered myself an average swimmer and runner.

Looking back, I would advise myself not to compare my progress to others and not to rush. It's important to take my time, trust the process, and focus on my own journey. Comparisons held me back in those early years, and I didn't believe I could succeed because of others' achievements. But I eventually learned that it takes time and that I needed to go at my own pace, doing what worked best for me.

I wish I had embraced this mindset earlier, as it would have saved me years of self-doubt. So, to my younger self, I would say: be confident, trust yourself, and don't compare. Follow your own path and enjoy the journey.

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Two-time triathlon world champion Helen Jenkins (MBE) has represented Team GB at the Olympic Games (2008, 2012 & 2016) and Wales at the Commonwealth Games (2006). She won her first senior world championships in Vancouver in 2008 and placed 21st in Beijing on Olympic debut. After reclaiming the world title in 2011, Helen overcame injury to place fifth at the 2012 Olympic Games and another memorable triumph on Gold Coast in 2016. Helen also boasts several prestigious non-International Triathlon Union event wins. Following the birth of her second child and recovery from back surgery, Helen is determined to return to professional racing and compete at the highest level. She was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2019 for services to triathlon.