Jenkins savours late chance

Amey misses Athens trip Jenkins secures Athens call

Marc Jenkins says his last-gasp call into Britain's Olympic triathlon team will work in his favour.

The Bridgend athlete was called off the reserve list at the beginning of the month after Paul Amey was ruled out by a bicycle crash.

"I had taken my foot off the pedal in training, but that renewed my focus," Jenkins told BBC Sport Wales.

"Three weeks was a good time, you can't hold intensity for too long, but I've been relaxed and without pressure."

The 28-year-old even believes that he has a chance of forcing his way into medal contention in Athens.

I'm elated with my selection but disappointed for Paul Marc Jenkins

"Every athlete dreams of winning an Olympic medal and I'm going to give it my best possible shot," he said.

"You never know in the triathlon, there are so many things that can happen."

Jenkins' excitement was, however, tinged by sadness at Amey's unfortunate Games exit.

"Paul's accident was not nice," said Jenkins.

"I'm really sad for him after he worked so hard to qualify.

"I've shared a room with him before - he's a fantastic guy and we get on really well.

"So I'm elated with my selection but disappointed for Paul."

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