COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Stephanie Jenks of Linn-Mar High School has been named the 2014 Junior Elite Triathlete of the Year by the USA Triathlon organization, it was announced Tuesday.

Jenks captured the silver medal at the Youth Olympic Games in China on her 17th birthday last summer. She also won the Olympic Games qualifier in Mexico, won the PATCO North American Junior Championships in Florida, competed at an international event in Canada and finished the season as the top-ranked junior elite woman in the United States.

"Stephanie was a true international performer in 2014," said Steve Kelley, a top official with USA Triathlon. "She has a bright future in triathlon."

Jenks also has been named an Elite All-American by USA Triathlon.

Jenks, a high school junior, is a member of the track and swimming teams at Linn-Mar.