Jenkins' flirt with DVT tragedy

I could easily have died in some of those races Marc Jenkins

Welsh Olympic triathlete Marc Jenkins' career and life have been put at risk by deep vein thrombosis.

The Bridgend man, 29, thinks he has had the condition for the last five years, but it was only identified last month.

Jenkins competed unwittingly through that time, and has been told that if the blood clots had formed in the wrong place they could have killed him.

"I'm facing a long break, but when I come back my career will be far more positive," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"I've had races where I've been unable to perform at any acceptable level, but now I know the reason why.

"I'll now have two-to-three months of resting, sleeping and watching TV while the blood clots clear themselves and the doctors do some more research.

"I've been told that veins have a really good ability to heal and that blood can find its way round damaged ones.

"If I get the all clear then I'll be back to full fitness by December and ready for a new start with full optimism that my health is fine."

Now that the DVT can be managed, I think I can give myself a real opportunity in next year's Commonwealth Games Marc Jenkins

Jenkins revealed that he had been checked for DVT in the past as he tried to get to the bottom of his health problems.

He was tested for heart problems and pleurisy, but the real problem was only identified last month when he went to the doctor with huge swellings in his lower leg.

Jenkins triumphs in adversity

"It doesn't frighten me to look back," said Jenkins, who sprung to prominence in the Athens Olympics when he bravely carried his bike over the line in last place following a crash that broke his wheel.

"I'm the sort of person who never thinks anything's going to hurt me, but I have been told that I could easily have died in some of those races.

"It's hard to pinpoint what effect the problem has had on my performances for the last few seasons.

"Now that the DVT can be managed, I think I can give myself a real opportunity in next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

"The Olympics were also such a great experience that I want to make another one - one where I don't crash!"