Jenkins Looks Set To Join Stanford In Rio After Gold Coast Triumph

 

Helen Jenkins looks certain to have booked her Olympic place after a stunning victory in the World Triathlon Gold Coast event in Australia today.

The Bridgend ace ended a two-year winning streak of America’s Gwen Jorgensen to take the gold.

And more importantly she won the shoot-out with British rival Jodie Stimpson – who was 12th – for the final slot in the women’s team.

Jenkins, fifth in London four years ago, now looks set to join fellow Welsh triathlete Non Stanford and Vicky Holland on the plane to South America this summer.

After a fast-paced sea swim, Jenkins set up the win by pushing the pace on the bike and was leading by 90 seconds with New Zealand’s Andrea Hewitt and Flora Duffy of Bermuda.

But Jenkins ran away from them to win by 41 seconds from Jorgensen with Hewitt third one second further back.

The 32-year-old said, who now leads the world rankings, said: “I can’t quite believe it.

“I did not have the best swim, and then on the bike, because it was so technical, it was just as hard even if you were at the front. And I got to the run and just went for it.

“But the whole time I was waiting for Gwen, you can never underestimate how quick Gwen’s running is.”

“The team is not announced yet but I think I have probably done enough.

“Our team is so strong and it is so unfair that Jodie might not be going to the Games.”

British Triathlon Performance Director, Brendan Powell, said: “Helen demonstrated exactly what she is capable of.

“She’s done an outstanding job after years getting herself back from injury.

“Jodie wasn’t able to get her best performance out and I’m gutted for her, but she’s still a key British athlete and we’ll support her in every way possible