Athlete Profile

Q: How did you first get involved in orienteering?
A: As a kid, I was FASCINATED with all kinds of maps. Knowing this, and after speaking with the Teutsch family (who lived down the street) about orienteering, my parents asked if I wanted to try it in Orienteering Ottawa's junior program. My answer was a resounding YES! I've been hooked ever since!

Q: If you had one tip for young orienteers what would it be?
A: Learn from your mistakes and celebrate your successes. Orienteering is a sport where everyone has a lot of both over their lifetime. But, by learning and adapting how you orienteer, you'll become stronger and stronger. Similarly, recognize your successes and be proud of them!

Q: How do you normally prepare for an important race?
A: I always read the race bulletin cover-to-cover. I look at my course's stats, a map snippet/description and any old maps given by the race organizers. On the day of, I always have a breakfast of oatmeal before my race. I arrive at the race site 1.5 hours early to get ready and start my warmup (~10 minutes of running, then ~35 minutes of various running drills). Then, I get to the starting line and focus on calming my mind to be ready to go for the start of my race.

Q: What is your big life orienteering goal?
A: I want to train to a level to represent Canada at World University Orienteering Championships, World Cup and the World Orienteering Championships On a non-championship level, I want to run in Swiss-O-Week, ORingen and Jukola!