Sept. 8, 2025
NEW BERN, N.C. – Craven Community College (Craven CC) biology instructor Jen Bogdanoff will represent the United States on the world stage next month, competing in two events at the 2025 World Triathlon Championships in Wollongong, Australia.
Bogdanoff, a dedicated educator and accomplished athlete, first began competing in triathlons in 2023. What started as a way to stay active quickly turned into a remarkable and competitive journey. After winning her age group and finishing third overall at the North Carolina State Championship at White Lake in her first season, she qualified for the 2024 National Championship race in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
"Since New Jersey is my home state and I went to Stockton University just outside of Atlantic City, that race felt like a hometown race to me," said Bogdanoff. "I went there to have fun and just see how I did against the best athletes in the country."
Bogdanoff achieved a personal record time of 1:13:23 at the race, earning an eighth-place finish in her age group and a coveted spot on Team USA for the Sprint Triathlon World Championship.
On Oct. 16-17, Bogdanoff will compete in two events on back-to-back days:
Standard Distance Aquabike World Championship: 1500m ocean swim and 40km bike (Oct. 15, 8:25 p.m. ET)
Sprint Triathlon World Championship: 750m ocean swim, 20km bike, 5km run (Oct. 16, 7:35 p.m. ET)
Both events are part of the World Triathlon Championship Finals, which feature elite athletes, Olympians, age group competitors, and para-athletes from across the globe.
“I’ve always been an athlete, but triathlons opened up a whole new level of competition for me,” added Bogdanoff. “To go from my first race in 2023 to representing Team USA in Australia is something I never imagined. I’m especially excited for the Aquabike Championship, since I feel that’s where my strength lies.”
In addition to her athletic achievements, Bogdanoff is passionate about inspiring her students at Craven CC, showing them that dedication and resilience can lead to success in any pursuit.
The World Triathlon Championships will take place October 15-20 in Wollongong, Australia. More details are available at wollongongtriathlon.com.
