Jessen Secures Highest-Ever Finish for Australia in Sleddog Worlds

Holly Jessen's Historic Finish Marks New Era for Australian Sleddog Sports

In a sport long dominated by athletes from snow-bound nations, Australian musher Holly Jessen has delivered a landmark performance at the 2025 IFSS World Championships and World Masters Dryland in Minocqua, Wisconsin. Representing Team Australia, Jessen's fourth-place result in the Women's Elite Bikejor RNB Class has fundamentally challenged expectations and established a new benchmark for Australian competitors on the world stage.

A Breakthrough on the Global Stage

The achievement stands as a testament to persistence in a discipline where geography is often destiny. Competing October 21-27 against an elite international field, Jessen proved that world-class results can be cultivated far from the sport's traditional heartlands. She navigated the 5.0-kilometer course to finish just off the podium in fourth position with a combined time of 27:42.8 across two heats. This result is not merely a personal best; it is a historic moment for the Australian Sleddog Sport Association (ASSA) and the nation it represents—the highest ranking ever achieved by an Australian at an IFSS World Championship.

To fully grasp the significance of this finish, one must understand the context. Sleddog sports, including dryland disciplines like bikejor, demand a unique synergy between athlete and canine. Bikejor involves a rider on a bicycle being pulled by dogs, a test of power, communication, and endurance for the entire team. Jessen's fourth place in the RNB (purebred) class was complemented by a 12th-place finish in the Women's Elite Scooter category, demonstrating her versatility and consistent high-level capability across disciplines.

Forged in Domestic Competition

Jessen's international breakthrough was not a sudden event but the result of sustained domestic excellence. Prior to her world championship campaign, she established herself as a dominant force within Australia, securing first-place victories in the women's bikejor championships at both of her local clubs. This foundation of consistent winning provided the competitive base necessary to challenge the world's best.

These local victories served as crucial preparation, honing the strategic and physical skills required for international competition. By proving her mettle repeatedly on home soil, Jessen built the momentum that carried her to the historic fourth-place finish. Her performance confirms that the Australian domestic circuit, governed by the ASSA, is capable of producing athletes who can contend at the highest level.

The Road Ahead

With this achievement now secured, Jessen has set her sights on new challenges. Her primary competitive goal is the 2026 Australian National Championships, to be hosted in Queensland by her home state club. The event holds special significance—Jessen plans to compete in multiple classes, including 2D Scooter with her two purposebred Eurohounds and a return to Women's Elite Bikejor, while simultaneously helping to organize and host the competition.

"It's always a huge feat when you're competing as well as race organizing, but I take pride in providing epic trails and races for mushers across the country," Jessen has stated about the dual challenge ahead.

Beyond the 2026 Nationals, she has expressed interest in returning to international IFSS competition, potentially in New Zealand or at future world championships. Her fourth-place finish has moved the goalposts. A podium finish is now a realistic, tangible objective for Australian sleddog sports.

Supporters can follow Jessen's journey via her Instagram account @beastmode_racing as she continues to push boundaries for her sport and her nation.

Redefining What's Possible

Holly Jessen's performance at the 2025 World Championships has redefined what is possible for an Australian athlete in sleddog sports. She has proven that with dedication and a rigorous competitive program, the disadvantages of climate and distance can be overcome. Her result is more than a number on a results sheet; it is a powerful statement that challenges assumptions and inspires a new generation of mushers from non-traditional regions. Her achievement does not just advance her own career—it advances the standing of her entire nation within the sport.