A Jersey teenager who was unexpectedly given the chance to race against some of her sporting heroes with less than two hours’ notice last year is set to do it all again – with a little more time to prepare.
Siena Stephens has been awarded a wildcard for the Supertri Pro Series Final at the Marina on Sunday 6 September, meaning that the 19-year-old will compete in front of her home crowd alongside some of the biggest names in triathlon.
It comes a year after what the young Islander described as a “fairytale” opportunity.
Last September, Siena began the day by completing the 10km RBC Race for the Kids, with no idea that just hours later she would find herself competing against Olympic medallists.
A late withdrawal from the women’s field resulted in Siena receiving a call-up with less than two hours’ notice.
Just days earlier, she had been sitting in the audience at an event for aspiring female athletes led by Olympians Georgia Taylor-Brown and Emma Jeffcoat.
She then found herself racing alongside them around the Marina, watched by friends, family and thousands of Islanders.
Siena later described the race as “the most amazing experience” and said she would love the chance to compete again.
That wish will now come true – although this year she will have more than a fortnight to get ready.
Michael D’hulst, chief executive and co-founder of Supertri, said: “Siena did an incredible job last year, especially when you consider that she had run 10k that morning and had very little time to prepare herself to race against some of the best triathletes in the world.
“We’re delighted to offer her a wildcard for the Supertri Pro Series Final and give her another opportunity to race in front of her home crowd.
“She is exactly the kind of young athlete we want Supertri to inspire, and I’m sure there will be plenty of aspiring Jersey triathletes watching her on the start line and thinking that one day it could be them.”
Despite being just 19, Siena has already represented Jersey internationally. She finished second at the British Triathlon National Championships in 2024 and ended that season ranked fifth nationally.
She also represented the Island at the Youth Commonwealth Games, where she finished fifth individually before winning bronze in the mixed team relay.
At the 2023 Island Games, Siena picked up five medals across swimming and triathlon, including gold in the mixed triathlon relay.
She is now studying psychology at Loughborough University and is part of the university’s high-performance triathlon environment.
Siena will return to the Waterfront start line on 6 September alongside a field including Olympic champion Cassandre Beaugrand, reigning Supertri champion and last year’s Jersey winner Jeanne Lehair, Georgia Taylor-Brown and former European champion Jolien Vermeylen.
