GE Capital, the financial services arm of GE, today announced that it is joining forces with Olympic hopeful Helen Jenkins and her coach and husband Marc in the build-up to and during the London 2012 Games. The GE Capital investment in the pair comes hot on the heels of the recent decision by GE to support the British Triathlon Federation and elite team at the Olympic Games.

By working closely together with Helen and Marc GE Capital is aiming to create a unique partnership between sport and business that will help improve the performance and welfare of its customers and the 500 people working for the company across the UK. Planned activity includes coaching on performance and health; triathlon-led incentive programmes; increased activity on blogs and online forums dedicated to health; and running a team triathlon challenge at this year’s London Triathlon.

Helen, 26, won the World Triathlon Championships in Vancouver in 2008 and, as a result, is a high medal hope for 2012. She lives in Bridgend, Wales, with her husband Marc, 33, who she met while competing on the triathlon circuit. Marc is well remembered for heroically carrying his bike on his shoulders during the cycling leg of the 2004 Athens Olympics, despite being involved in an accident that left the bike unusable. He has now become Helen’s dedicated coach as she seeks to add to the British medal tally in London in two years time.

John Jenkins, chief executive, GE Capital, commented: “As a fast-growing and innovative provider of finance to UK businesses GE Capital shares many of the same values and challenges as the exciting sport of Triathlon.  By extending our investment in the sport through our partnership with Helen and Marc we aim not only to help them build on their significant achievements, hopefully culminating in success in 2012, but to enable our staff and customers to benefit from the insights, tools and techniques that top triathletes, like Helen and Marc, need to perform consistently at the highest level”

Helen Jenkins (no relation to John) commented: “To be competing at the London 2012 Olympics is a dream in itself; to be in with a chance of a medal in front of my home fans would be quite incredible. The support that I have received from GE Capital is a huge boost to my training programme. This will not only enhance my chances of performing well in London but will hopefully demonstrate how by working closely together business and triathlon can drive can boost performance and well being.