The 20-year-old from Stirling is set to race in British Triathlon’s Super Series Grand Final in Bala, Wales – which will be live streamed for the first time since 2014.
The event will act as trials for the World Under-23 Triathlon Championships in Wollongong.
Hedley is well aware of what it will take to make the standards to get out to Australia and is taking everything one step at a time in her debut season in the age group.
“It’s not going to be easy. It’s about executing my processes, and the result will come if it’s meant to be.
“But if on the day other people are better, then that’s just where I’m at. I’ll go have a look over the winter and then come back stronger next year.”
It is a mature perspective for someone so fresh into a new setting but. despite the step up, Hedley has not noticed a significant difference as she learns the ropes of a higher age group.
Having already competed at Super Series races in Llanelli and Bristol this season, finishing ninth and 20th respectively, she is taking the learning opportunities from all her races.
“So far, it’s not actually been that different because not many of the races have been that much longer,” Hedley explained.
“It’s just this end of the season where we’re doing longer races than we usually have on the road. It will be good to practice for next year where I might do a few more Olympic distance races.
“I’ve not had outstanding results on the road so far this season, but that’s just part of the process. I’ve learnt a lot from my races this year.
“I’m pleased with how it’s gone, and it’s just testing to see what type of training works.”
The Super Series is an integral part of the British Triathlon performance pathway, with many athletes, including Olympians Alex Yee and Kate Waugh, making their competitive debut in the Series.
It pits high-performing athletes from across the country against each other in highly competitive races at locations around the UK.
At Bala, which is hosting the Super Series Grand Final for the first time, Hedley will be able to put everything she has learnt to the test in search of U23 World Championship qualification.
“I know from those races that not everything goes to plan, but I now know how to deal with it if something does goes wrong and not give up,” she said.
“It’s finding your mindset where you’re like, ‘Okay, this is the setback, right what do I have to do to overcome that and to still get the best out of myself?’
“You have to move on in the moment and then reflect on it after the race, but don’t get caught up during the race on that one thing that might have gone wrong.”
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