Jayden Kuijpers’ journey began in elite cycling, racing in Europe before losing his passion for the sport. Back in New Zealand, he turned to running but faced an injury that led him to his old coach’s underwater treadmill. From there, he learned to swim, rediscovered his love for cycling, and never looked back. Now, he’s building on last year’s results in the pro category, aiming for strong performances at St. George 70.3, Langkawi 70.3, and a full-distance Ironman.

His advice? “Just get out there and do it—find a club, join a squad, and have fun.” Now based in Vancouver with his partner, Sonja, and their adventure cat, Gregory, Jayden balances triathlon with exploring trails, hiking, and camping.