Jennifer Spieldenner

Jennifer Spieldenner says she loves challenges and thrives when things are not easy, so mixing it in the top level of elite triathlon competition is the ideal pursuit for the American star.

The Ohio native proved her ability to take on huge tests and pass with flying colours by claiming victory on her first attempt over the full distance, in Louisville, Kentucky in 2018.

That fantastic performance earned Spieldenner a trip to Kona, Hawaii for the World Championship and she duly completed the big test on the Big Island, finishing in 34th position.

Prior to that step up to win over full distance in Kentucky, Jennifer had been the model of consistency over the 70.3 distance.

She was a multiple winner and consistently finished in the top 10 in events in which she completed. Jennifer also took part in the World Championship in Chattanooga in 2017, finishing 22nd.

Spieldenner had been a talented swimmer as a youngster, and then took up running in middle school as a boy she had a crush on ran track. He ran distance, so Jennifer did too, It’s understandable given her background that Jennifer’s weakest discipline is the bike, though it is something she has worked hard on with coach Paulo Sousa as part of The Triathlon Squad.

Jen credits teaming up with Sousa back in 2010 as one of the big reasons for the success she has enjoyed since, saying he was the person who taught her how to be a true professional.

Away from triathlon Jennifer has an enviable academic skillset, having first graduated from the University of Toledo as a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 2008.

Later in life Spieldenner then graduated the University of Findlay in 2017 as a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

In terms of racing advice, Jen says: “If you don't try, the only option will be failure, but if you do try then there is the option of success”.