My Story
Life has tested me with triumphs and setbacks – podium finishes, cancer battles, and a life-threatening crash. But I never stopped moving. Triathlon became my lifeline, helping me fight back and inspire others. This is my story – a journey of resilience, survival, and purpose.
I started my triathlon journey in 2013 while working in London and frequently traveling to China. Despite the demands of my career, I competed in numerous races and achieved podium finishes early on. My passion for endurance sports grew stronger as I continued to push my limits in triathlons and ultra-trail races.
In 2014, I claimed victory at the Chengdu Jintang Triathlon, finished third at the Taiwan Kenting IRONMAN 70.3, and completed my first full-distance IRONMAN in Bolton, UK. As I gained recognition within China’s triathlon community, I continued my career as an international business consultant. In 2015, I successfully brought Shakespeare’s Othello in Beijing opera style to the London Shakespeare Festival, bridging western and eastern cultural and artistic worlds.
Powered by Purpose
My journey has never been just about sports. Alongside my passion for endurance racing, I have dedicated my career to cultural exchange, bringing together the worlds of theater, art, and international collaboration.
While working as an international business consultant in London, I played a key role in introducing Chinese performing arts to global audiences. One of my proudest achievements was bringing Shakespeare’s "Othello" in Beijing opera style to the London Shakespeare Festival in 2015. The production was a groundbreaking fusion of Western literature and Chinese traditional performance, earning critical acclaim and strengthening artistic ties between two cultures.
Through my work, I have always believed in the power of cultural engagement – just as in sports, it is about breaking barriers, fostering understanding, and inspiring others. Whether on stage or at the starting line of an IRONMAN, I strive to prove that resilience, passion, and cross-cultural connection can change lives.
Bridging Cultures Through Art and Sport
My journey has not been without obstacles. In 2014, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery. Despite this, I set my sights on qualifying for the IRONMAN World Championship in Kona. However, in 2015, while training for IRONMAN Zurich, I was involved in a severe bike crash that left me with a traumatic brain injury, fractures in my spine and neck, multiple jaw fractures, and extensive gum damage. I was unconscious for nearly four weeks and spent months in recovery. Later, my cancer returned in 2019 and again in 2022, requiring chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and a double mastectomy. In 2024, I faced yet another challenge when doctors suspected a spread to my uterus, leading to a planned hysterectomy. Despite these hardships, I never stopped racing. Even during treatment, I continued to compete in marathons and triathlons worldwide, refusing to let adversity define my journey.
The Impact of Injuries and Cancer on My Life
Triathlon and endurance sports have been my therapy, giving me purpose and strength through the hardest times. My mindset shifted from winning races to inspiring others. After my cancer treatments, I continued to push my limits, competing in events that symbolized resilience and determination. In 2016, I finished second at the Hainan Forest Trail Marathon. The following year, I took on the Düsseldorf Triathlon and the Bottrop 50km Trail Race. In 2018, I competed in the Challenge Amsterdam Triathlon (113km) and ran the New York Marathon with the "F❤️🩹CK CANCER" team. In 2023, I returned to the New York Marathon, this time fighting for cancer awareness. In 2024, I completed the Yangshuo Triathlon (113km) and the Frankfurt Marathon. Now, I run not only for myself but for others, proving that life’s challenges should never stop us from chasing our dreams.
How Sports Helped Me Recover and Find Strength
None of this would have been possible without my husband, Holger Wessling. Not only is he the CEO of the bank Sparkasse Rhein-Nahe, but he is also my triathlon coach and my greatest supporter.
Holger was there for me through every hospital visit, every painful moment, and every training session. He arranged my helicopter rescue in Zurich and stood by my side through rehabilitation. His unwavering belief in me keeps me pushing forward every day.
Together, we have traveled twice to Kona – not as competitors but as supporters, embracing the IRONMAN spirit. Now, I am determined to cross that finish line, not for a podium place, but for the F❤️🩹CK CANCER movement and everyone who has fought alongside me.
The Role of Holger –
The Love of my Life and my Coach
