Cloudathlete Silver Linings Funding Recipients

2024: Fiona Kesteven

Fiona Kesteven is a full-time working mum and elite age group triathlete.

About Fiona.

Growing up, she trained as a gymnast to a regional/national level. Upon moving to Sheffield for her studies, she took up springboard and highboard diving, reaching a national level once again. After finishing her diving career, she felt lost without the structure of a sport to train for and began running. Discovering a natural talent for running, she connected with a community of like-minded individuals who encouraged her to try triathlon.

Making her mark in Triathlon.

In her first year of triathlon, Fiona realized she had the opportunity to compete in qualification races to represent TeamGB in her age group. She excelled in these races and qualified for both the European Triathlon and Duathlon Championships the following year. Proudly wearing her first GB tri suit, she represented her country and put all her training into practice, winning a Gold and Bronze European Championship medal.

Recent years.

Fiona has increased her distance with the goal of completing an Ironman race, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. After a delay due to Covid, she participated in Ironman Wales in 2022, finishing as the 17th female overall and 2nd in her age group, qualifying her for the World Championships in Kona, Hawaii—a highly coveted achievement in the triathlon w

Achievements.

Fiona's notable achievements in triathlon include:

A 3 hour 10 minute marathon time, qualifying her for a London Marathon 'Championship' place
European Duathlon Championships - Gold medalist (twice)
European Triathlon Championships - Bronze medalist
Ironman Wales - 17th female overall and silver medalist in age group, leading to World Championship Qualification

In to the Future.

Her goal for this year is to qualify for the Ironman World Championships in Nice, France. This would allow her to compete among the best triathletes in the world. Training is progressing well, as evidenced by her 2nd place overall finish at the Southport Standard Distance Triathlon in her first race of the year. Fiona is determined to maintain her momentum and excel in the qualification race to secure her place in Nice.