As Head of Development at Triathlon Cymru, Amy Jenner is dedicated to making triathlon more accessible and inclusive across Wales. In this interview, she shares her journey from first-time competitor to shaping the future of triathlon, the challenges of increasing participation, and the rewarding moments that make it all worthwhile.
Amy's Journey
Q. What first drew you to triathlon, and how did you transition from volunteering to competing?
A. The very first event I went to watch was in Llanelli in 2004 and I was in awe of the participants, especially as they had to do three sports in one event. After moving to France in 2005 and starting a family, I worked at a triathlon camp. In 2014, after years of supporting others, I decided to compete myself.
My first triathlon was in Vichy, France, training with four other women while taking turns looking after our children. Crossing the finish line gave me such a sense of achievement that I was hooked and soon progressed to standard and middle-distance events.
Q. What motivated you to take on leadership roles, including setting up your own triathlon club?
A. In 2015 I moved back to South Wales. I was participating in triathlon but I struggled to find people to train with and there wasn’t a local triathlon club. The skills I had developed in my then part-time admin role at Welsh Triathlon gave me the confidence to start my own triathlon club. I identified some other people from a local run club to help – and that’s how Caerphilly Triers was formed in 2017.
Since then, I’ve worked hard to progress in my career, moving into senior management in 2022. I love the challenge and feel proud of my journey so far.
Amy's Role at Triathlon Cymru
Q. What are your main priorities as Head of Development?
A. At Welsh Triathlon, our vision is to develop a triathlon community that enhances the wellbeing of current and future generations in Wales. My main priorities are increasing inclusive participation and engagement through expanding access to triathlon across Wales. Engaging more individuals in the sport, whether through competing, coaching, or volunteering. There are many ways in which you can be involved in Triathlon.
Q. Tell us more about your work developing triathlon in Wales.
A. Together with my team we are developing and growing membership, clubs, coaches, technical officials, volunteers and events across Wales. This includes supporting the establishment and enhancement of clubs and providing development opportunities for coaches to ensure quality training and support for athletes.
Working with our fantastic event organisers in Wales to provide positive experiences for triathletes. Delivering a schools engagement programme. We continue our work to make triathlon more inclusive and reflective of society, addressing barriers such as cost, access to facilities, and building confidence. Also, as Lead Safeguarding Officer for Welsh Triathlon, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all participants involved in Triathlon.
Q. What do you find most rewarding about your work?
A. There are so many aspects to my role that I find rewarding, but it has to be helping people of all ages discover triathlon and watching their personal growth and achievements. Triathlon is a lifelong sport; you can start at age 6 and continue right through to your 90s. My hard work is driven by a passion for helping individuals develop not just as athletes but as confident and engaged members of the triathlon community.
I still get goosebumps when I’m at the start of an event watching everyone waiting to enter the water, in what may be their first or 21st event. Seeing someone complete their first triathlon is always emotional - I’m often in sunglasses at events because I'm known to shed a tear or two watching our members achieve their goals!
Growing Participation in Triathlon
Q. What do you think are the biggest challenges in getting more people involved?
A. Perception is a major barrier. The sport is not always seen as accessible to underrepresented groups. However, at Welsh Triathlon are working hard to change that by supporting beginner-friendly initiatives, providing affordable equipment schemes, engaging with local groups and schools, and making clubs more inclusive and welcoming.
Q. How would you encourage beginners who might find the sport intimidating to get involved?
A. Triathlon is for everyone - you don’t need to be an elite athlete. Triathlon is about personal achievement. I would always recommend joining a local club (we have 70+ in Wales) it's a great way to start. Volunteering at events also helps you get familiar with the sport before competing.
Q. Are there any exciting projects or initiatives on the horizon?
A. There are always exciting opportunities at Welsh Triathlon. Right now, we’re expanding existing programmes, including a schools resource designed to train teachers to deliver triathlon-themed sessions. This initiative will introduce more children to triathlon in a fun and safe way, inspiring them to get involved and potentially join our junior triathlon clubs.
2025 welcomes the seventh instalment of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series; a collaboration of televised Sprint and Standard triathlon events which showcases Wales as the natural home of Triathlon and multisport.
Tîm Tri Cymru has also returned for 2025 where athletes will be representing Wales at the British Sprint, Standard, Aquathlon, and Duathlon (sprint or standard) Championships. This age group initiative is designed to identify, nurture, and support the most promising triathletes in Wales, with the aim of enhancing their performance on both national and international stages.
Tîm Tri Cymru, Welsh for "Team Tri Wales," is dedicated to excellence in triathlon, providing a structured pathway for athletes to reach their full potential.
With the support of over 70 clubs and 60 events across Wales, we foster safe, welcoming environments where individuals can train, compete, and become part of the triathlon community.
Personal Insights and Advice
Q. What’s been your most memorable triathlon experience so far?
A. For me it would be founding a triathlon club in my town. Though I’m no longer involved, it’s thriving, and seeing the club kit at events reminds me of the legacy I helped create. I also made the most wonderful lifelong friends along the way.
Q. What advice would you give to someone considering their first triathlon?
A. I would say keep it simple and don’t over think it. There are plenty of beginner-friendly events across Wales, and you don’t need the latest gear to participate, just use what you have, or borrow equipment if needed. I borrowed both a bike and a wetsuit for my first event!
Q. What are your personal and professional goals for the year ahead?
A. I recently underwent my fourth round of surgery for endometriosis, a condition that has prevented me from cycling due to the pain. However, I am entering IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea as part of a relay team with my work colleagues. I will still be able to experience the joy and excitement of participating in triathlon events, without having to complete all three disciplines.
Professionally – I am working towards my Level 5 ITEC course – which I’m finding really interesting and I’m very fortunate that I work with such an incredible team who all have their own strengths in developing triathlon in Wales. The course and the people I work with are both helping me develop as a female leader in the sports sector.
Ready to dive into the world of triathlon?
Whether you're looking to take part, volunteer, or learn more about Welsh Triathlon’s incredible work, visit welshtriathlon.org and start your journey today!
