Helen Jenkins And Husband Balance Triathlon With Life

Olympic hopeful Helen Jenkins and her husband (and coach) Marc look to perfect the work-life balance.

Most people are happy not to take their work home with them.

But that is not an option for world champion triathlete Helen Jenkins.

For the London 2012 gold medal hopeful lives and trains with her husband and coach Marc, himself a former Olympic triathlete.

Marc competed in the 2004 Games, while Helen finished 21st in Beijing four years later, so there is a strong Olympic pedigree already in the Jenkins household.

But it is a work-life balance situation this golden Welsh triathlete couple have managed to make work.

“Between us we have learned to switch off from triathlon altogether or it just takes over your life,” explained Jenkins.

“We don’t talk about it when we’re at home because we’d be sick of it otherwise.”

Jenkins’ partnership with Mark has proved a revelation so far as she has followed up her world championship title in 2008 with a second crown last year.

This time it was achieved in a series of races rather than a one-off event to establish Jenkins as the triathlete to beat in London.

Jenkins achieved qualification last August by winning the Test event in Hyde Park with her selection a formality when it is officially ratified by the British Olympic Association.

“I don’t have any concerns about peaking too early,” she said.

“Being selected early gives you that chance to plan.”