Laurentian University  swimming alumnus Colin Jenkins competed in the Olympic Triathlon on Tuesday in Beijing. The native of Hamilton, Ont., finished in 50th place with a time of 1:56:50.85, nearly eight minutes back of the winner from Germany.
His finish may not have been in the top group, a Laurentian
press release stated, however, he helped fellow Canadian Simon
Whitfield earn a silver medal by utilizing teamwork in the swim
and bike portions of the race
 
Jenkins, who was picked for the team at the urging of
Whitfield, had been asked by Triathlon Canada to help the 2000
Olympic Champion reel in any breakaway groups in the swimming
and bike portions of the race and he did just that.
 
Jenkins, the 2004-05 Laurentian swimming MVP, came out of the
water, ahead of Whitfield in 14th place finishing the one and a
half kilometre swim in a time of 18:12. As they transitioned to
the bike portion, Jenkins fell one position to 15th place. With
Whitfield on his wheel, Jenkins did a masterful job on the
bike, holding a slight lead over the field at the end of the
first lap. He then continued to challenge the field and close
the gap on any breakaway groups to help Whitfield conserve
energy and stay within striking distance of the lead group
heading into the run. Jenkins finished the bike section in
fourth place riding the 40-kilometre course in a time of 58:59
for a race total of 1:17:40, heading into the run.
 
As Jenkins came out onto the course for the run, he had fallen
to 17th place through the transition area. However, his job was
done - he had helped Whitfield remain within striking distance
of the contenders. Jenkins finished the race with a valiant
run, completing the 10-kilometre course in a time of 38:39. His
Olympic Triathlon total time was 1:56:50.85, which was good
enough for 50th place overall.
 
Canada's Whitfield won the silver medal with an impressive
final kick, finishing the Olympic Triathlon in a time of
1:48:58.7.
