Top Welsh triathlete Helen Jenkins has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games due to injury, with just over a week to go until the individual triathlon races take place.
Jenkins injured her Plantar Fascia – which supports the arch on the bottom of the foot – at WTS Hamburg last weekend, and was forced to pull out of the race early on in the run, hoping it would heal in time for Glasgow.
“I’m obviously devastated,” said Jenkins. “I was very proud to be selected to represent Wales and was looking forward to racing on a tough, honest triathlon course in Strathclyde. I will get more information from the specialist this week but with a grade two tear of my Plantar Fascia, it’s almost certain that I won't be racing again this season.”
Jenkins made her comeback to ITU racing this year after 18 months out of the sport due to a knee injury. She’s already amassed two silver medals and a bronze in this year’s WTS season, and currently sits in third place in the series behind Jodie Stimpson and Gwen Jorgensen.
This is yet another Commonwealths setback for Team Wales, which has already lost reigning ITU world champion Non Stanford to injury. Stanford has been replaced on the Welsh team by Carol Bridge, who won the Outlaw Half last year and joins existing team member Holly Lawrence. There’s no word yet on whether Wales will find a replacement for Jenkins.
The individual triathlon races at this year’s Commonwealth Games will be held on 24 July in Strathclyde near Glasgow, and the mixed relay race will be held on 26 July.
(Main image: Delly Carr/ITU)