Scotland-born triathlete Helen Tucker has vowed to overcome her Olympic disappointment and defend her world championship crown – and that’s not the only vow she’s made recently.

The 24-year-old – who hails from Elgin - tied the knot during an extended post-Beijing holiday in Florida before returning to training, suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

And Tucker, or Jenkins as she will now be known, who is lightning quick on two wheels and in the water believes she can catapult herself to the top of the world rankings if she can speed up on foot.

“I’m well aware of what my strengths and weaknesses are,” she said. “I know that I’m not fast at running enough to compete with the top girls.

“I was well beaten at the Olympics – I just couldn’t stay with the leading pack on the day which was a shame because I went into the Games in some good form.

“But I need to concentrate on steady progress because if I push myself too hard, that’s when I get injured and my last few years have been blighted with injuries.

“I’m only going to do one competition between now and May so I can really focus on getting myself in peak condition and looking towards the world championships.

Tucker will, in fact, retain her world championship title for years to come as the format of the tournament has changed from a single race to a series of seven different races.

And with one of those seven to take place in Hyde Park, the London 2012 venue, Tucker is more determined than ever to claim victory.

“It’s going to be fantastic to compete in London,” she added. “The British public will see just how strong we are as a nation.

“There are always youngsters coming through the ranks – just look at Hollie Anvil and the progress she has made at such a young age.

“There’s obviously triathlon which features at the Olympics but we are very strong in iron man and biathlons in both male and female competitions.

“It’s a sport that creates a fresh challenge for a lot of people and makes a pleasant change from the traditional sports.”