0:00:05 > 0:00:09Glasgow, a city that's had its fair share of ups and downs.
0:00:09 > 0:00:20It is a place divided and united by sport.
0:00:20 > 0:00:23And in just a few short weeks, some of the best athletes on the planet
0:00:23 > 0:00:30are going to be welcomed here.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33Memories will be made, heroes created.
0:00:33 > 0:00:48Sporting excellence rewarded.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55The clock is ticking down, the Commonwealth Games is almost
0:00:55 > 0:01:03upon us.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10Loughborough University is a home from home for many
0:01:10 > 0:01:13of the sportsmen and women we will see in Glasgow this summer
0:01:13 > 0:01:15at the Commonwealth Games.
0:01:15 > 0:01:18Badminton players, athletes and swimmers all use the world-class
0:01:18 > 0:01:20facilities here, a special place with a special link to what will
0:01:20 > 0:01:25hopefully be a very special Games.
0:01:25 > 0:01:28In today's programme, we will meet a few faces who are
0:01:28 > 0:01:31hoping to make an impact in just over three weeks? time.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34Matthew Pinsent is in South Africa to meet someone who could become one
0:01:34 > 0:01:40of the real stars of the summer, with a little help from his dad.
0:01:40 > 0:01:44Welsh triathlete Helen Jenkins tells Helen Skelton about her long
0:01:44 > 0:01:49road to recovery after a difficult 18 months on the sidelines.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51Injury cruelly ended England netball captain Pamela Cookey's Commonwealth
0:01:51 > 0:01:53dream.
0:01:53 > 0:02:00We are in Bath with her as the team come to terms with the
0:02:00 > 0:02:02loss of their inspirational leader.
0:02:02 > 0:02:05And if you have been inspired to try a new sport like swimming,
0:02:05 > 0:02:08netball or triathlon, head to our website for more details on how
0:02:08 > 0:02:16to get involved in your area.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20For most of us, London 2012 is now a distant if fond memory, but for
0:02:20 > 0:02:23one young swimmer it was the moment he became a global star, thanks
0:02:23 > 0:02:26in part to his enthusiastic father.
0:02:26 > 0:02:30Beating Michael Phelps to win Olympic gold was a lifelong
0:02:30 > 0:02:33ambition for Chad Le Clos.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35They're coming back hard, but Michael Phelps, I think,
0:02:35 > 0:02:36is going to win.
0:02:36 > 0:02:38Is he going to create history by winning this race
0:02:38 > 0:02:40for the third time in a row?
0:02:40 > 0:02:43Chad Le Clos is pushing him.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46He gets the touch and Chad Le Clos is Olympic champion
0:02:46 > 0:02:50in the men's 200 metres butterfly.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53He is the most down-to-earth, beautiful boy you will ever meet
0:02:53 > 0:02:58in your life.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01Now he is setting himself some new targets.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04Matthew Pinsent travelled to Durban to spend some time with him and
0:03:04 > 0:03:05of course the family.
0:03:05 > 0:03:07Good to see you again.
0:03:07 > 0:03:08Welcome to South Africa.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10My pool.
0:03:10 > 0:03:12It is not what I expected.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Lots of people get a shock, but this is home for us.
0:03:15 > 0:03:17You always trained here, this is where you started?
0:03:17 > 0:03:18Yes, it has been about 14 years.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19The same lane.
0:03:19 > 0:03:20That end lane over there.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22This is where your dreams are made.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Yes.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27All the hard work was done here.
0:03:27 > 0:03:29Yes.
0:03:29 > 0:03:30How is life treating you?
0:03:30 > 0:03:31Good.
0:03:31 > 0:03:33It has been heavy this year because of all
0:03:33 > 0:03:35the media engagements, especially leading up to the Commonwealth.
0:03:35 > 0:03:39We have just come off the national champs.
0:03:39 > 0:03:40Now you have big plans for Glasgow?
0:03:40 > 0:03:43Yes, hopefully it is going to be another big event for me.
0:03:43 > 0:03:44What is your session tonight?
0:03:44 > 0:03:47Tonight it is not so bad, I have only got back
0:03:47 > 0:03:48into training after the nationals.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54It should be about 5.5 kilometres.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56Not so heavy.
0:03:56 > 0:03:59Only about an hour and a half.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03I do not want to stop you, you carry on and we will catch up afterwards.
0:04:03 > 0:04:03Great.
0:04:03 > 0:04:15Cool.
0:04:23 > 0:04:29Any sports squad will be similar.
0:04:29 > 0:04:35It reminds me of a rowing squad in that you have the experienced,
0:04:35 > 0:04:41accomplished medal-winning group and there will be a young gun group.
0:04:41 > 0:04:42The interaction between them is part of that.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45It just keeps you sharp.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48For Chad, this keeps him fresh and hungry.
0:04:48 > 0:04:51He has got to hold off all these guys, all of whom are looking to
0:04:51 > 0:04:54score little victories against him in a morning or evening session.
0:04:54 > 0:05:00When you look at him here in his training environment, what does he
0:05:00 > 0:05:03do differently to the other swimmers that means he's Olympic champion?
0:05:03 > 0:05:06Those kind of things, I am sure you will know,
0:05:06 > 0:05:09you cannot make those things, certain athletes are born with it.
0:05:09 > 0:05:10That's what gives them the edge.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14That is what I believe gives them the edge on other athletes.
0:05:14 > 0:05:16Lots of people can work really hard and
0:05:16 > 0:05:20have the work ethic, but I believe he has a killer instinct to win.
0:05:20 > 0:05:25He likes to win and race.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28He does not shy away from big competition and he gets on with it.
0:05:28 > 0:05:32He loves to win.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35How many events are you going to do in Glasgow?
0:05:35 > 0:05:37At this stage, we're looking at six or seven.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39What is Thorpe's record at the Commonwealths in one meet?
0:05:39 > 0:05:44I think it is five.
0:05:44 > 0:05:47Is that important for him, he has got to set goals for himself?
0:05:47 > 0:05:51For me as a coach, to motivate him on certain things, I have to set
0:05:51 > 0:05:53those kind of goals, something different, something that other
0:05:53 > 0:06:02people are not really looking at.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05One of the things you notice when you watch Chad train is that
0:06:05 > 0:06:08every time he is under water he is loads quicker than any
0:06:08 > 0:06:09of the people he trains against.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13How was that?
0:06:13 > 0:06:15That was good.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18This is my first week back from the break after the nationals.
0:06:18 > 0:06:21We are still getting into the way of things.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24It is not as far as we usually go, but it was hard, I guess.
0:06:24 > 0:06:29A few of the guys were pushing you harder than normal.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31Yes, with the cameras, everyone wants to be ahead,
0:06:31 > 0:06:33it was a competitive session.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37We are now following Chad back to his place.
0:06:37 > 0:07:00Bert is laying on a barbecue, or a ?braai? as it is known here.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02-- "braai". This is the family house.
0:07:02 > 0:07:06Yes, this is it.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08The Olympic replicas on the wall there.
0:07:08 > 0:07:09Those are replicas, right?
0:07:09 > 0:07:10Yes.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12This is my brother.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14He was in Ireland last year for an age-group championship.
0:07:14 > 0:07:15It is weird.
0:07:15 > 0:07:16He is in the yellow cap.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19He is slightly looking at the guy next to him.
0:07:19 > 0:07:21If you look there, that is me looking Phelps
0:07:21 > 0:07:22in the last 20 metres.
0:07:22 > 0:07:23Just when I passed him.
0:07:23 > 0:07:26What was the margin between you when it came to the line?
0:07:26 > 0:07:27Five one-hundredths of a second.
0:07:27 > 0:07:28You cannot even catch that.
0:07:28 > 0:07:30A win is a win.
0:07:30 > 0:07:30100%.
0:07:30 > 0:07:31This is all new, even downstairs.
0:07:31 > 0:07:32The bar here.
0:07:32 > 0:07:32Unbelievable.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34You have to say it the right way, unbelievable.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37Exactly, when you say, you have to pay my dad.
0:07:37 > 0:07:38How are you?
0:07:38 > 0:07:38Hello.
0:07:38 > 0:07:39Nice to meet you.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41Thank God you got here safely.
0:07:41 > 0:07:43It was good.
0:07:43 > 0:07:45That is a great fire.
0:07:45 > 0:07:46Does this happen a lot?
0:07:46 > 0:07:48It does.
0:07:48 > 0:07:51We always have the family over at least once a week.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53Dad is always cooking.
0:07:53 > 0:07:54It is my job.
0:07:54 > 0:07:57This is special.
0:07:57 > 0:07:57He is a chef.
0:07:57 > 0:07:59He is a housewife.
0:07:59 > 0:08:06How have you been since the peak of London and all the excitement?
0:08:06 > 0:08:09You know, you say how have I been, but life has changed completely.
0:08:09 > 0:08:11Whenever I go, people recognise me thanks to
0:08:11 > 0:08:12Clare Balding from the BBC.
0:08:12 > 0:08:13Look at him, look at him.
0:08:13 > 0:08:15He is crying like me.
0:08:15 > 0:08:16I love you.
0:08:16 > 0:08:22Every time I see my son, I?m like this.
0:08:22 > 0:08:24This is live.
0:08:24 > 0:08:26You're fine.
0:08:26 > 0:08:29You were here at the most perfect moment in
0:08:29 > 0:08:32your son's life and it sounds like the most perfect moment of yours.
0:08:32 > 0:08:32Unbelievable, unbelievable.
0:08:32 > 0:08:38Thanks, Great Britain.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40You know, you?re a gold medallist.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44If one day you are lucky enough to have a son that is a gold medallist,
0:08:44 > 0:08:45it is unbelievable.
0:08:45 > 0:08:46I know it is a cliche.
0:08:46 > 0:08:49It was so heartfelt, but that is how you are.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52It was not an act, you had no time to prepare anything,
0:08:52 > 0:08:53it was just you.
0:08:53 > 0:08:55No one is prepared for that, I am telling you.
0:08:55 > 0:08:56No one, no one.
0:08:56 > 0:08:59Sometimes I watch the replay and I still scream and shout.
0:08:59 > 0:09:09It sort of defied explanation.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11A gold medal performance, especially the performance that you
0:09:11 > 0:09:15put in to beat Phelps, your first gold medal, to topple
0:09:15 > 0:09:18a legend as he is, as he was.
0:09:18 > 0:09:23Chad Le Clos has a chance, the Commonwealth champion.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25At that time, it was my perfect race, definitely.
0:09:25 > 0:09:27I still pinch myself, looking back at race.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30I just remember the last 50 was like a movie. It felt like everything was
0:09:30 > 0:09:31going in slow motion.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34When I came down the stretch in the last 20 metres, I couldn?t
0:09:34 > 0:09:35hear anything, the crowd.
0:09:35 > 0:09:37I could hear myself talking to myself.
0:09:37 > 0:09:39Basically I was swimming right up until the Saturday,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43so I had not seen my parents until the end of the 100 fly final.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I did not know where my dad was until Saturday night.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48That is when I found out.
0:09:48 > 0:09:56It was crazy.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58We were just like Batman and Robin.
0:09:58 > 0:10:00Fatman and Robin.
0:10:00 > 0:10:03Fatman and Bobbin.
0:10:03 > 0:10:07It is only fitting that the world can see my dad for what he is.
0:10:07 > 0:10:09The way that he has helped me over the years.
0:10:09 > 0:10:12What he has done for me and my brothers and my sister over
0:10:12 > 0:10:13the years is incredible.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15That is why the world loves him.
0:10:15 > 0:10:19You will make me cry now, I can tell you.
0:10:19 > 0:10:21Glasgow is on the agenda for you, you're coming to Scotland?
0:10:21 > 0:10:23We have already booked, we booked before him.
0:10:23 > 0:10:29He had to qualify.
0:10:29 > 0:10:31After spending some time with Chad and his dad,
0:10:31 > 0:10:36it is clear how important family is to this impressive young man.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41He has got his feet firmly on the ground.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44I think it is very important to have the downtime that we have.
0:10:44 > 0:10:45Swimmers, we do not get much.
0:10:45 > 0:10:46Recharge the battery.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49It is important to get away from the swimming pool.
0:10:49 > 0:10:51If I was always talking about swimming, it would drive you crazy.
0:10:51 > 0:10:53I love what I do.
0:10:53 > 0:11:01I love racing on the big stage.
0:11:01 > 0:11:04Nobody loves waking up at five in the morning and jumping into a cold
0:11:04 > 0:11:08pool in winter, but it is something that has to be done in order to
0:11:08 > 0:11:11achieve what I want to achieve.
0:11:11 > 0:11:12The Commonwealth is every four years.
0:11:12 > 0:11:18It is still a lot of prestige, especially in South Africa.
0:11:18 > 0:11:19I am really excited.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22That is where it all began for me four years ago, Delhi.
0:11:22 > 0:11:27For me to go there and defend two titles and hopefully
0:11:27 > 0:11:30add more to that, it would be right up there with the Olympics.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I will have a lot more support than I did in London,
0:11:33 > 0:11:34a lot more family are coming.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37I think I will have more fans than I did before then,
0:11:37 > 0:11:47so it will be awesome to hopefully deliver more golds for them.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50For Chad, there is new ambition, and who would bet against him
0:11:50 > 0:11:53breaking Ian Thorpe's record of six Commonwealth gold medals?
0:11:53 > 0:11:58His dream is very much alive, but for England netball captain
0:11:58 > 0:12:00Pamela Cookey, injury has cruelly taken away her chance of going
0:12:00 > 0:12:06for gold in Glasgow after two Commonwealth bronze medals.
0:12:06 > 0:12:14It has been an emotional few months for this inspirational leader
0:12:14 > 0:12:17since she ruptured her Achilles at the end of April.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20We went with her to the University of Bath as she met her team-mates
0:12:20 > 0:12:22for the first time since the injury which cruelly ended
0:12:22 > 0:12:23her Commonwealth journey.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26I have my moments when I just think, life is not fair.
0:12:26 > 0:12:26Why?
0:12:26 > 0:12:28This was going to be an awesome year,
0:12:28 > 0:12:39our squad was looking so good and we were so prepped and ready for it.
0:12:39 > 0:12:40Why now?
0:12:40 > 0:12:42Why did it happen?
0:12:42 > 0:12:45But I have just got to be positive otherwise I cannot come back.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48If I go in to myself and let it get on top of me,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52it is not good for anyone.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59Seeing the girls today, it is crazy how much joy it brings me.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05I feel like I'm smiling all the time.
0:13:05 > 0:13:07Just knowing that they are still going strong,
0:13:07 > 0:13:10and there are some amazing girls in our squad, there is so much talent.
0:13:10 > 0:13:15Other leaders as well, it makes my job easy.
0:13:15 > 0:13:16They step up as well.
0:13:16 > 0:13:17Like Sara Bayman.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19I call her my general.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Hey, Sara.
0:13:23 > 0:13:25Hey, pal.
0:13:25 > 0:13:26How is it going?
0:13:26 > 0:13:26Good.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29Obviously I am not going to be with you guys.
0:13:29 > 0:13:29I'm sorry.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31But you guys have been awesome.
0:13:31 > 0:13:32You as my VC...
0:13:32 > 0:13:33You have dropped me right in it.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36There is a squad of 18 at the moment.
0:13:36 > 0:13:38We have got to get it down to 12.
0:13:38 > 0:13:39It was really intense today.
0:13:39 > 0:13:41Is it because everyone is vying for those positions?
0:13:41 > 0:13:42I think so.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44It is ramping up.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Everyone is trying to push on further and prove
0:13:46 > 0:13:49their point for selection.
0:13:49 > 0:13:58This will be the tightest selection we have had in a long time.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01I am excited to see what they can do going into the Commonwealth Games.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04I think they are a strong force to be reckoned with
0:14:04 > 0:14:05and people should fear them.
0:14:05 > 0:14:12I am also gutted I am not going to be part of it.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15When it first happened on court, I thought someone had kicked me.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19I thought, I have just been hit, I will get some ice on it and I
0:14:19 > 0:14:20will be good to go.
0:14:20 > 0:14:22The physio had a look at it.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24She said, I think you have snapped you Achilles.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27We got through the game and we got over to
0:14:27 > 0:14:29the hospital where they confirmed that I had snapped my Achilles.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32The reaction has been a bit crazy, a whirlwind.
0:14:32 > 0:14:45I have had so much support.
0:14:45 > 0:14:46Love you, babe.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48People wishing me goodwill messages and get back soon.
0:14:48 > 0:14:51And that is when you think, actually, I am kind of important,
0:14:51 > 0:14:52if that makes sense.
0:14:52 > 0:14:55I think it would not do the team's feelings for you justice
0:14:55 > 0:14:58or your leadership skills justice to say that it has been
0:14:58 > 0:15:00an easy thing for us to deal with.
0:15:00 > 0:15:00It has not.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04It is difficult and I think a true leader is missed, and you are
0:15:04 > 0:15:05missed, and you should know that.
0:15:05 > 0:15:09However, I think the way that we intend to deal with that is that
0:15:09 > 0:15:10everybody has to pull their weight.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13I think it is easy for a team, and especially for us
0:15:13 > 0:15:16as individuals, to sit back and to allow your leadership skills and
0:15:16 > 0:15:18your experience, and your awesome netballing abilities to take over.
0:15:18 > 0:15:20We're not going to be that England team.
0:15:20 > 0:15:32For now, until you come back, then we will let you do everything again.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37And we're not going to do that for now until we come back.
0:15:37 > 0:15:39You're one of the best I have played under.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41We will miss you, obviously, this year, as well.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46You are one of my close friends.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50I think that as a team, we have a massive opportunity now.
0:15:50 > 0:16:01That is your chance, girl, if you want that, you go and take it.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05We have been players that we do not need our hands to be held,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08so when you step on the court, it is about you doing your job
0:16:08 > 0:16:16and making it work and having a bit of a high five with the captain.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19We are a team and we do stay in our bubble.
0:16:19 > 0:16:20We do not have the Olympics.
0:16:20 > 0:16:22We put everything into the Commonwealth Games.
0:16:22 > 0:16:25This year in Glasgow, everyone is so pumped and excited.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28I am so excited.
0:16:28 > 0:16:30It is the best netball memory I have, ever.
0:16:30 > 0:16:31It is awesome.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35You are part of a bigger team, it is so good.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38We are always really excited about meeting everyone, we're like, hello,
0:16:38 > 0:16:41and we do not even know them.
0:16:41 > 0:16:45Oh, look, Jessica Ennis!
0:16:45 > 0:16:48It is really good to be part of Team England.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50There is definitely a team feel about it because you all
0:16:50 > 0:16:54get the same kit, you are in the same area in the athletes village
0:16:54 > 0:16:57and you get to see them at mealtimes as well as celebrity spotting
0:16:57 > 0:17:00for people like Usain Bolt.
0:17:00 > 0:17:03You can go into the village and put on five kilos by spending
0:17:03 > 0:17:05all of your time in the food hall.
0:17:05 > 0:17:16Or be distracted by other very attractive athletes.
0:17:16 > 0:17:20We have also looked at the point that we go to the Commonwealth Games
0:17:20 > 0:17:24to get that buzz, it's like the excitement of kids in a sweet shop.
0:17:24 > 0:17:26I know more than anyone how professional these girls are
0:17:26 > 0:17:31and when it comes to business, you step out there.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35You just get it done when it comes to it.
0:17:35 > 0:17:37I think that this kind of typical of the squad.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39We have a lot of fun.
0:17:39 > 0:17:45And then we cross on to that court and it is like, bang.
0:17:45 > 0:17:49To be part of such a big international global event
0:17:49 > 0:17:54and the fact that it is almost on home soil, no jet lag.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56Come on over to us, it is great.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59It is actually quite nice, just focusing
0:17:59 > 0:18:04on the netball side of things.
0:18:04 > 0:18:12It will just be a fantastic experience for everyone.
0:18:12 > 0:18:15You'll be up there supporting us.
0:18:15 > 0:18:16Part of the experience as well.
0:18:16 > 0:18:19I just want to get out there and play.
0:18:19 > 0:18:29It is nice just to be able to watch the girls and support them.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31I have not seen any netball since I had my injury
0:18:31 > 0:18:33so that has helped a little bit.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36I am going to want to be on the court.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38But it will be difficult.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42I am not going to lie to you but I want to be there to be able to
0:18:42 > 0:18:43support the team.
0:18:43 > 0:18:47I want to be able to celebrate with them because I know that they are
0:18:47 > 0:18:50going to be successful and the little bits are going to shine
0:18:50 > 0:19:01through, whatever I am feeling, I just need to get on with it.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05For some athletes, the timing of injuries can be so cruel.
0:19:05 > 0:19:08Years of hard training and then your dreams are taken away,
0:19:08 > 0:19:09just like that.
0:19:09 > 0:19:11For triathlete Helen Jenkins the last few seasons have been
0:19:11 > 0:19:13so hard watching from the sidelines, but there is finally
0:19:13 > 0:19:18light at the end of the tunnel.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21After a fifth placed finish in London she spent the season
0:19:21 > 0:19:23trying to get over several injuries, but with Glasgow
0:19:23 > 0:19:27fast approaching she is making a comeback at just the right time.
0:19:27 > 0:19:32Helen Skelton went to meet her at home in Bridgend.
0:19:32 > 0:19:43How are you?
0:19:43 > 0:19:50Good. Still a little niggle when training.
0:19:50 > 0:19:56When you say you have got niggles, are you always managing something?
0:19:56 > 0:19:59You just have got to keep on top of it all the time,
0:19:59 > 0:20:01having the treatment which keeps everything under control.
0:20:01 > 0:20:04Triathlon is such a demanding sport because you are doing it for hours.
0:20:04 > 0:20:15Pretty much.
0:20:18 > 0:20:20As Helen says, the volumes of work,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22you know what you have to do to get through.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24You're constantly second-guessing what might happen or
0:20:24 > 0:20:25while the treatment is ongoing.
0:20:25 > 0:20:27Helen would get treated twice a week. Minimum.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29You had the surgery after the Olympics.
0:20:29 > 0:20:31Was that a relief because there was something ongoing, that you
0:20:31 > 0:20:33could not put your finger on.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36I had a knee problem about three months before the games
0:20:36 > 0:20:37that was very painful.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40When it first happened. I was struggling to swim, really.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42London was such a big goal.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46For two years, it would be the race on those mornings that I did not
0:20:46 > 0:20:52want to go training, it was the race that I, that got me out of bed.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54And I was injured.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56And then I felt lost, what am I aiming for?
0:20:56 > 0:21:04What am I doing?
0:21:04 > 0:21:07The Olympic build up was the worst period of her life.
0:21:07 > 0:21:08How she got through, I don't know.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11With support from the staff, from the British Triathlon Federation.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15It was not fun.
0:21:15 > 0:21:16COMMENTATOR: Huge crowds at Hyde Park.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18An enormous amount of noise.
0:21:18 > 0:21:21Helen Jenkins will take some encouragement
0:21:21 > 0:21:26from the fact that thousands have come out to watch her compete.
0:21:27 > 0:21:29How much pain where you in during the Olympics?
0:21:29 > 0:21:36During the race, I was fine, you don't think about it then.
0:21:36 > 0:21:37You look like you gave it your all.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40I did give it everything.
0:21:40 > 0:21:43I just could not hang on in there for the last part of the run.
0:21:43 > 0:21:46This has been the hardest ten weeks of my career.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48Having the injury, it has just been really hard to get
0:21:48 > 0:21:51to the start line.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54And actually I am amazed that I was in contention for that long.
0:21:54 > 0:21:59I have not able to get all of my running in.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02She cried herself to sleep for days on end and that was heartbreaking
0:22:02 > 0:22:06for me to see her do that, and to see her dream rapidly fading away.
0:22:06 > 0:22:16It was not easy.
0:22:16 > 0:22:18Why didn't you stop competing?
0:22:18 > 0:22:20We spoke about it. She was never not going to do it.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24At one point we had been for a run and she could not do it,
0:22:24 > 0:22:25she was in pain.
0:22:25 > 0:22:28I said, do you want to keep doing this, to keep pushing?
0:22:28 > 0:22:31There was never a choice not to do it, it is either
0:22:31 > 0:22:33try and fail, or fail and give up.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36After the Olympics, she was fifth, then you know she was injured.
0:22:36 > 0:22:44Where did you start?
0:22:44 > 0:22:47We thought it was a knee issue. We took a good holiday.
0:22:47 > 0:22:50We came back, she had her surgery on her back.
0:22:50 > 0:22:52Since then, it has just been a gradual build.
0:22:52 > 0:22:55It is comforting that she has gone out and done it because of the
0:22:55 > 0:22:59psychological blow of the Olympics, the physical blow of all of the
0:22:59 > 0:23:05injuries and surgery, yet she has come back and not only has she gone
0:23:05 > 0:23:11back but in her first three races, she has done very, very well.
0:23:11 > 0:23:15It has been some time since we watched you race, and has got to be
0:23:15 > 0:23:16a great feeling to be coming in after being away for a while.
0:23:18 > 0:23:23We did not expect her to do well in the first race.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26She has trained average, at best.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29Now she is starting to train well, in the last four or five weeks.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31The adversity is what makes you stronger.
0:23:31 > 0:23:42We are hopeful that she will be better now.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46How does it feel to be back training hard and competing?
0:23:46 > 0:23:50It such a good feeling.
0:23:50 > 0:23:51It is hard to put into words.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55What a huge sign that shows that the rest of the athletes of she can
0:23:55 > 0:23:58get back to top level racing and get onto the podium so quickly.
0:23:58 > 0:24:02I have got a good chance of doing well at the Commonwealth Games.
0:24:02 > 0:24:04It has come into focus.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08And it is for Wales, as well, you get to be on a Welsh team,
0:24:08 > 0:24:10which you do not have a chance to do very often.
0:24:10 > 0:24:13I am supported by Wales, I come here twice a week.
0:24:13 > 0:24:14You could compete for Scotland.
0:24:14 > 0:24:16I was born in Scotland.
0:24:16 > 0:24:19My father was in the RAF.
0:24:19 > 0:24:22When I go to Scotland people say, you are Scottish, aren't you?
0:24:22 > 0:24:28And I say, I have only ever lived in Wales.
0:24:28 > 0:24:34Can you get excited about the Commonwealth Games?
0:24:34 > 0:24:38It was only after she came home that I thought I could do well.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40Before that I had not given myself a thought.
0:24:40 > 0:24:42We didn't know if she could make it.
0:24:42 > 0:24:45Now she can start thinking about it and now she can think she
0:24:45 > 0:24:47can do well.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50Do you ever look at her, because you are her coach and her husband.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55Sometimes you must want to say, let's just go and have a coffee
0:24:55 > 0:24:57and take your away from all of this.
0:24:57 > 0:25:00I don't know what we would do if we did that.
0:25:00 > 0:25:01This has been our lives for so long.
0:25:01 > 0:25:03I was in triathlon before I met Helen,
0:25:03 > 0:25:07and now she does it, and we would be lost without the constant training
0:25:07 > 0:25:08and the emotion that comes with it.
0:25:08 > 0:25:20At a certain point we thought we were just walk away from this.
0:25:20 > 0:25:22And after the Olympic games, we thought about it.
0:25:22 > 0:25:26We talked about Helen Jenkins and confidence.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29If that is not confidence I don't know what is.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31She has gone straight to the head of that field.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34There is no doubt that this could be an exciting chapter for Helen
0:25:34 > 0:25:37and you, things could go great, but whatever happens, you must we very
0:25:37 > 0:25:39proud of what she has achieved.
0:25:39 > 0:25:41At the Olympics I was proud of her.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44To do what she did, I'm not sure anybody else could have done that,
0:25:44 > 0:25:45that was remarkable character.
0:25:45 > 0:25:48It is easy to do well when everything is going well,
0:25:48 > 0:25:50but harder, when everything is going wrong.
0:25:50 > 0:25:58Are you nervous, given that you know what is going on?
0:25:58 > 0:26:05I'm not nervous. Helen is in good shape at the moment.
0:26:05 > 0:26:08You have been through it all. You know what is going on.
0:26:08 > 0:26:13We have been at this now, four for five years.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16You always striving to make Helen a more robust athlete
0:26:16 > 0:26:19so that she can tolerate these things and get through them safely.
0:26:19 > 0:26:21When you do get these little niggles, you get through them.
0:26:21 > 0:26:25I did not realise I would get back to racing at this time last year.
0:26:25 > 0:26:32Just to be able to go for a run and it does not hurt.
0:26:32 > 0:26:36"It does not hurt today. That is pretty cool."
0:26:36 > 0:26:38You talk about your racing, talking about
0:26:38 > 0:26:43the results you have had so far.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45You always say, "we", like it is a team effort.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48I would not be doing what I am doing without Mark.
0:26:48 > 0:26:57I know that he's going to make sure that my bike is working fine,
0:26:57 > 0:27:00that everything is working smoothly, he just does that for me and I feel
0:27:00 > 0:27:04guilty about it sometimes I do not do enough, he just looks after me.
0:27:04 > 0:27:05You are a modern man.
0:27:05 > 0:27:07Ever fall out?
0:27:07 > 0:27:13I am grumpy every Saturday morning.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16You're used to me not talking on a Saturday morning.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19It is definitely my job to walk the dog on Saturday mornings.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21One of the things I miss is just not being outside.
0:27:21 > 0:27:26We made a conscious effort, we have the van,
0:27:26 > 0:27:30we come down to the beach, we go for a little swim, we have a barbecue.
0:27:30 > 0:27:32Just a feeling of being outside.
0:27:32 > 0:27:34You just have to work out the things that keep you sane.
0:27:34 > 0:27:41What does the short-term future hold for the Jenkins partnership
0:27:41 > 0:27:48To Rio de Janeiro.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52We'll take it race by race and year by year, then a bit of surf in the
0:27:52 > 0:27:57summer, some barbecues on the beach.
0:27:57 > 0:28:04With Barney.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06Barney abbani, he about 12 now.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Just don't you go anywhere, you selfish dog, you!
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Timing can be such a huge part of athlete's career.
0:28:11 > 0:28:19It was a life long ambition for proud family and friends.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21Now, Chad has got new goals to aim for.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24Helen Jenkins has found that this at just the right time
0:28:24 > 0:28:26after the restriction of serious injury, the Commonwealth
0:28:26 > 0:28:29Games are a chance to prove that she is the best in the world.
0:28:29 > 0:28:31And for Pamela Cookey, time ran out.
0:28:31 > 0:28:32Injury ended a long-held ambition.
0:28:32 > 0:28:34She will be back.
0:28:34 > 0:28:36That is it for the show today.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39If you have been inspired by anything you have seen,
0:28:39 > 0:28:48you can visit the website for more details.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52Just 24 days to go until the start of the Commonwealth games
0:28:52 > 0:28:55in Glasgow, and it promises to be a cracking summer of sport.
0:28:55 > 0:28:57A Commonwealth gold medallist.
0:28:57 > 0:29:00He is going to get there.
0:29:00 > 0:29:07Ian Thorpe is getting a standing ovation from this crowd.
0:29:07 > 0:29:10He never faltered or slowed up, that was magnificent.
0:29:10 > 0:29:12Here comes the challenge from Meares.
0:29:12 > 0:29:25It was so close.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52# This is a man's world