Athlete Profile

Jan Erik Naess

Team Canada Program Athlete 2026: National Elite Squad

About

  • Born: 1998
  • Hometown: Mississauga, ON
  • Currently Living: Chicago
  • Orienteers for: DGL, CAOC, Oppsal
  • Occupation: Data Scientist

Q&A

Q: What would you say is the most overlooked element of orienteering training and why?
A: Definitely how tough it is to think while pushing your body to the max. The self awareness needed to know how well you're thinking or when you're fading out of focus easy makes or breaks a great run.

Q: If you had one tip for young/beginning orienteers what would it be?
A: Focus on what you can. For most in Canada that means make your cardio great and whenever you have a chance to orienteer take it like its the most important race of your life!

Q: What is one thing you really want to work on in 2026?
A: Deep stamina

Q: Describe your overall approach to training for orienteering?
A: Flexible

Q: What aspect of orienteering keep you interested and motivated to stay involved, train, and compete?
A: The friends and community you become a part of
Q: Describe your ideal orienteering terrain?
A: Continental - fast forests

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