Helen Jenkins MBE has been appointed as Elite Athlete Representative on the British Triathlon Board, a pivotal role acting on behalf of Britain’s elite athletes to achieve smooth communication of key decisions, feedback and ideas.
The role will see Helen act as a vital link between the UK Sport Lottery Funded World Class Performance Programme and the Board, whilst also working with key external stakeholders; seeing her represent British elite triathletes within national and international forums.
Now in post, the three-time Olympian and two-time ITU Triathlon World Champion will look to spearhead the formation of the British Triathlon Athlete Commission. New for 2019, the athlete-centric model aims to encourage two-way communication from British Triathlon Performance Centre level up to the Board itself. Made up of elite athlete ‘Champions’, the commission will meet regularly alongside Helen in order to discuss relevant topics within the sport.
Both World Class Performance Programme plus Leeds and Loughborough Performance Centre athletes will be invited to apply for a number of volunteer roles within the Athlete Commission in the coming weeks.
Helen Jenkins, British Triathlon Board Elite Athlete Representative, said: “I am really happy to be accepted into the role of Elite Athlete Representative on the British Triathlon Board and believe my years within the World Class Performance Programme stand me in good stead to represent my fellow athletes.
“I hope I can provide important feedback to the Board on behalf of the athletes and help support with any issues. The role will be a great learning and development opportunity for me.”
Ian Howard, British Triathlon President, said: “We are thrilled to have Helen join us on the British Triathlon Board. Her extensive experience and success within the sport at the highest level make her the ideal individual to act on behalf on the elite athletes.
“She is incredibly respected both by her fellow World Class Performance Programme squad and Board members and we look forward to seeing the difference her presence will make.”
The news follows Helen’s appointment of an MBE in the 2019 New Year Honours list. The Bridgend-based athlete replaces 2009 ITU Paratriathlon World Champion, Claire Cunningham, who recently stepped down after three years in post and brings the British Triathlon Board to its full 12-person capacity.
To find out more about the British Triathlon Board, visit https://www.britishtriathlon.org/about-us/governance/meet-the-team/board-of-directors