2019: Jesse tries a triathlon. Big mistake—he can’t swim. Comes out of the water dead last. But then? Overtakes almost everyone on the bike and runs a sub-20 min 5K with dates stuffed in his back pocket. Can’t complain about the idea, but the molten dates weren’t the best snack.

Fast-forward: Year by year, he levels up, training with the Trican Team, refining his swim (thankfully), and chasing bigger goals. Winning a variety of short course races before stepping up to long course.

In 2023 came his first middle-distance race—expectations? None. Tears when crossing the line? Yes. Reality? Second overall in the age group race, breaking the 4-hour barrier and unknowingly qualifying for the Challenge Championships. Almost won the whole thing, too. Turns out, this triathlon thing might actually be his calling.

2025 marks his second pro season, now ranked Top 10 in the Netherlands on the PTO. The journey? Still DIY—Jesse travels race-to-race in his self-built van, living proof that adventure never stops, it just gets faster.