w w w. o r i e n t e e r i n g . a s n . a u President: Bob McCreddin Director (Administration): Dave Lotty, PO Box 740 Glebe NSW 2037. Ph. (02) 9660 2067 (w), (02) 9569 2380 (h) orienteering@sydney.net Director (Finance): Kathy Liley, 83 Kenmare St., Watsonia VIC 3087 Ph. (03) 9432 4023 Director (Development): Bob Mouatt, PO Box W49 Wanniassa ACT 2903 Ph. (02) 6231 2463 Director (Technical): Andy Hogg, 23 Aston Crescent Cook ACT 2614 Ph. (02) 6251 9777 Director (High Performance): Mike Dowling, 17 High Street Bellerive TAS 7018 Ph. (03) 6244 7173 Manager (Coaching Programs): Neville Bleakley, 30 Gledden Street Chifley ACT 2606 Ph. (02) 6207 3723 Badge Applications: John Oliver, 68 Amaroo Street Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
STATE ASSOCIATIONS Queensland OA: PO Box 114 Spring Hill QLD 4004 Secretary: Robin Spriggs Ph. (07) 3369 0880 (h) qoa@qoa.asn.au OA NSW: PO Box 740, Glebe NSW 2037 Secretary: Dave Lotty Ph. (02) 9660 2067 (w), 9569 2380 (h) orienteering@sydney.net Orienteering ACT: PO Box 402, Jamison Centre ACT 2614 Secretary: Bill Jones Ph. (02) 6251 3885 actoa@austarmetro.com.au Victorian OA: 332 Banyule Rd, Viewbank VIC 3084 Secretary: Warwick Williams Ph. (03) 9459 0853 voa@netspace.net.au OA South Australia: State Association House, 73 Wakefield Street Adelaide SA 5000. Secretary: Phil Stoeckel OA Western Australia: PO Box 234 Subiaco WA 6904 Secretary: Cath Chalmers Ph. (08) 9380 4049 (h) catheoin@ozemail.com.au Orienteering Tasmania Inc.: PO Box 339, Sandy Bay, TAS 7005 Secretary: Warwick Moore Ph. (03) 6248 6405 secretary.oti@trump.net.au Top End Orienteers (Northern Territory): PO Box 39152 Winnellie NT 0821 Secretary: Susi Bertei Ph. (08) 8981 5841
CONTENTS ISSN 0818-6510 Issue 4/04 (no. 136) DECEMBER 2004
EDITORIAL....................................... 3
The national magazine of Orienteering Australia Inc. ABN 77 406 995 497 Published four times a year: First day of March, June, September, December Print Post Approved PP 236080/00011
T H E H IS TO R Y O F T H E MO D E R N C O M PA S S . . . . . . 5
Editor: Michael Hubbert, P.O. Box 165, Warrandyte, Victoria 3113 mikehubbert@ozemail.com.au Phone/fax (03) 9844 4878
LETTERS.......................................... 7
Advertising and consultant to editor: Ian Baker, PO Box 294, Black Rock, Vic. 3193. ianb@netspace.net.au Phone/Fax (03) 9598 0215 Magazine Design & Assembly: Peter Cusworth, 8 View Street, Avonsleigh, Vic. 3782 Ph. (03) 5968 5254 cusworth@netspace.net.au Magazine Treasurer: Kathy Liley Printer: Priden Printing Services, 21 Century Drive, Braeside, Vic. 3195 Dates for 2005 Cover date Contribution deadline Despatch to states March 2005 21 January 25 February The date shown for contributions is the last date that matter will be received. Any non-topical matter should be presented as soon as it can be ready. The policy on publication dates is that normally the magazine is dispatched in bulk from the printer in Melbourne in time for states to be able to have it in members’ hands at the very beginning of month of cover date. This policy was established by all states in conference. Regular Contributors: Badge Awards: John Oliver; Coaching/Training: Nev Bleakley; Competition: Blair Trewin; Events/Results: Leigh Privett; High Performance: Mike Dowling; MTBO: Blake Gordon; Official News: Dave Lotty; Running the Business: Bob Mouatt; Ski-O: Ian Baker; Nutrition: Gillian Woodward. Contributions are welcome, either directly or via State editorial contacts. Prior consultation is suggested before preparing major contributions. Guidelines for Contributors are available from the editor or from state contacts. State Editorial Contacts Qld. – Liz Bourne 07 4683 6374 (h) batmaps@halenet.com.au NSW – Ken Sinclair 02 9639 9675 sicad@ozemail.com.au ACT – Matthew Purcell 02 6231 2121 mattpurc@webone.com.au Vic. – SA – Heather Smith 08 8463 3889 (w) Heather.Smith@state.sa.gov.au WA – Nicole Davis 08 9388 6451 shiraz@fizzyred.com Tas. – Mary Hawthorne 03 6243 8616 (h) editor.oti@trump.net.au Subscriptions: State Association members via State Associations. Contact relevant Association Secretary for details. Other subscribers: Write to The Australian Orienteer, PO Box 165, Warrandyte, Vic. 3113. Within Australia: $36 inc GST. Overseas: Asia/Pacific (inc. NZ) $40, Rest of World $45. Delivery is airmail, there is no seamail option. Please send payment in Australian dollars by bank draft or international postal order, or pay direct by Visa or Mastercard. Quote full card number and expiry date. Subscription renewals (direct subscriptions only). The number in the top right-hand corner of the address label indicates the final issue in your current subscription. Opinions expressed in The Australian Orienteer are not necessarily those of Orienteering Australia. 2 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
F R O M T H E P R E S I D E N T.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
N E W S / D I D YO U K NO W ?.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 WOC 2004, SWEDEN............................ 10 S TAT E C H A M P I O N S H I P S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6 A U S C H A M P S C A R N I VA L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7 BUSHRANGERS V NEW ZEALAND............... 20 COACHING – TEAMWORK....................... 21 ACT WOMEN’S CLINIC.......................... 22 WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS – AUSTRALIA........ 24 H I G H P E R F O R M A N C E .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5 W O R L D R A D I O C H A M P S .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 7 G R E AT L E G S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 9 PA R K A N D S T R E E T- O I N AUS T R A L I A . . . . . . . . . . 4 0 TOP EVENTS..................................... 42 TRAINING....................................... 48 NUTRITION...................................... 49 IOF NEWS....................................... 50 T R I B U T E TO N I G E L AY L OT T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2 T A L E N T S E A R C H .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4 ORIENTEERING AUSTRALIA NEWS............. 55 Front Cover: Adrian Jackson on his way to becoming Australia’s first Orienteering World Champion, winning the Gold Medal in the Middle-Distance World MTB-O event at Castlemaine. Photo: Untited Photography
EDITORIAL
Age is no barrier
from these important events. I would welcome your feedback on the content of this edition (my e-mail address is on Page 2).
WHEN we think of Elites in Orienteering, images of fast young 20-somethings flashing through the bush spring to mind – don’t they! Well, think again – the current World (Longdistance) men’s Champion, Bjornar Valstad (Norway), is 37, and the women’s Champion, Karolina A Hojsgaard (Sweden) is 33. And, in a format where one might expect speed to diminish with age, the silver medallist in the men’s Sprint, Hakan Eriksson (Sweden) is 43. Australia’s own Carolyn Jackson won a bronze medal at the World MTB-O Championships held recently near Ballarat, Victoria, while her 21 year-old son won gold in the Middle-distance event and bronze in two other races. Age is certainly no barrier to success at the highest level in our sport. This edition covers the World MTB-O Championships in detail; also the World foot-O Championships held in Sweden and the World RadiO Championships in Czech Republic. By making this edition larger and with more colour I’ve been able to include more maps and photos
Sadly, this edition also contains a tribute to Nigel Aylott, adventure racer extraordinaire. Nigel reached the top in almost all the sports he attempted yet he was one of the most unassuming champions I ever had the privilege to meet. We will miss you Nigel. I hope you find this edition as good a read as ever. Good navigating, Mike Hubbert
Next issue 1 March 2005 Contributions deadlines Time-sensitive 21 Jan All other contributions 14 Jan
LETTERS VICTORINOX LETTER OF THE MONTH Bert Elson (Tas) for his letter on the Australian Family Relays. Bert receives a Victorinox Voyager with 20 tools and features including a watch/alarm/timer, retail value $109.95.
Australian Family Relays I class the Easter Family Relays as something absolutely special in Orienteering. I can think of no other sport where teams across gender and generation incorporating Elites and recreational competitors – and all from the one family – can compete together in a significant national event. The benefit of the Family Relays, I believe, goes beyond the immediate enjoyment of those who participate each year and, in fact, is significant in promoting the family values in Orienteering which bring in many of our new competitors and develop junior family members into future elites. I am concerned at the trend to place more and more events on Good Friday. The impact of these other events is a growing trend for Junior and Elite competitors to take part in the competitive events at the expense of the Family Relays. If the trend continues there is a risk that the Family relays will cease to be viable.
Orienteering seems to be going through an identity crisis in Australia at present. At one end of the scale it is becoming an elite international sport while at the other end of the scale it is a popular, enjoyable family activity. One of the wonderful and unique aspects of Orienteering is that there is no real reason why it can’t continue to be both at once. The art is in allowing both directions to develop without either negatively impacting on the other. The Family Relays are one of the treasures of Orienteering in Australia and should be valued and nurtured, not put at risk. Bert Elson (Tas)
Bert Elson is a former president of Orienteering Tasmania. 1800 209 999 www.victorinox.com
for stockists call
Letters continue on page 7.
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 3
Xmas gifts for Orienteers orienteering gear makes a much appreciated gift for Christmas for the Orienteer in your life. Here are a few ideas.
SILVA K120 Elastic Polyamide mesh with Kevlar reinforcement. The latest ‘shoe-within -a-shoe’ design. Unbelievable comfort. $250
SILVA K100 Only 300g. Unique Scholler Keprotec uppers. Great strength and elasticity. Reinforced arch to reduce pronation. $246
SILVA ‘Eclipse’ running tops in lightweight Swedish polyamide. Airy, durable, negligible water absorption, quick drying. Blue/white or black/white/yellow. S, M, L, XL. $47.75
SILVA 6 Jet Spectra with the super fast settling and stable fluoro broad Jet needle and colour coded ring. LH or RH models. $138
SILVA K80 Super wide last. Durable, waterrepellent, light weight. Reinforced arch/heel for excellent stability and comfort. $199
SILVA K40 Lightweight shoe with rubber studs, but no metal cleats. Extremely lightweight. A tough shoe for beginners. $146
TEAM ‘Super’ gaiters with padded shin protectors. Lightweight and washable. Blue or black. Various sizes. $49.95
SILVA 5 Jet baseplate model with interchangeable map scales and fast Jet needle. ‘Comfort-fit’ curved back end. $133 SILVA ‘Navigator’ trousers in same Swedish material as tops. Black or royal blue. $42.75
AVAILABLE FROM: VIC – Kevin Maloney 9544 4469 NSW – Peter Shepherd 9525 3703 ACT – Anthony Scott 6251 0303 SA – Robyn Dose 8289 5195 WA – Andrew Martin 0419 900 233 TAS – Mike Dowling 6244 7173 and Orienteering Service of Australia 44 Alexandra Pde., Clifton Hill, Vic 3068 Tel (03) 9489 9766
SILVA 1S Jet. As 5 Jet, but with a large magnifying lens for enlarging fine map detail. $145
S I LVA C O M PA S S E S
History of the modern compass and how Silva came to be By Brooke Wilson, Silva US PR Manager (Reproduced with permission from ‘Orienteering North America’ with minor editing by Tom Andrews, Silva Australia’s representative)
T
HE invention of the compass changed the world. With this revolutionary device, sailors were able to navigate more accurately. Oceans were crossed and new lands discovered. Even with today’s technological innovations, travelers still depend on compasses to lead them in the right direction.
Who invented the compass?
The original compass can be traced back to the ancient Chinese. The first known use of a compass occurred in the 4th Century BC. It was used in Feng Shui, the Taoist method of environment organisation. Chinese fortunetellers used lodestones, a mineral composed of iron oxide that aligns itself in a North-South direction. Eventually the Chinese noticed that the lodestones were consistently pointing out actual magnetic directions. They designed the compass on a square slab with markings for the cardinal points and the constellations. The pointing needle was a lodestone spoonshaped device with a handle that would always settle to point South. The first written mention of the compass was by a Chinese mathematician in about 1050 AD. Shen Kua wrote about the use of a navigational instrument with a magnetised iron needle. The first recorded use of a compass in Europe is in 1190 AD. Very little was understood, though, about how the compass worked. Superstitions abounded, including sea captains believing that if the crew ate onions it would affect the device. In the centuries that followed, historical references of compass use increased. Arabian and Viking mariners were described using the device to navigate across great distances of water in the early and mid-1200’s.
Early compasses
By the 17th Century, the needle was changed to a parallelogram, which was easier to mount upon the pin. In 1745 an Englishman, Gowin Knight, developed the Knight compass with a steel needle that would retain its magnetisation for longer periods of time. To protect the compass needle, later innovators enclosed it in a metal case. They used a simple air-filled brass housing in which the needle swung around freely, mounted on a pin. These are known today as standard dry-fill compasses. However there remained problems with the device. The magnetic needle would swing back and forth and would not come quickly to rest.
Development of the modern Orienteering compass When ‘Orienteering’ began in Scandinavia in the early 1900’s, it was primarily a military exercise as part of navigational training. It was not until 1919 that the modern version of Orienteering was created in Sweden by Major Ernst Killander. As Orienteering became more popular in the early 1930’s, there was a clear need for a better and more reliable compass. Four notable orienteers – brothers Arvid, Alvar and Björn
Kjellström and Gunnar Tillander, shared an interest and vision in such an invention. Combining Tillander’s instrument making experience and the Kjellström brothers’ Orienteering background, the four found that the most effective way to counter the compass needle problem was by filling the housing with a liquid that slowed down its erratic movement and brought it to settle quickly in the North-South direction. They further perfected the invention by mounting the liquid filled housing on a transparent baseplate that acted as a protractor and direction finder allowing the user to take fast and accurate bearings from a map. The liquid damping in the housing stopped the needle’s movement within four seconds as opposed to 30 seconds in dry-fill compasses. With a loan of 1500 Swedish Kronor (~A$300) from the Kjellström brothers, the four formed Instrumentverken AB (later Silva Production AB) to produce the compasses. Tillander headed the manufacturing side of the business whilst the Kjellström brothers used their knowledge of publicity and Orienteering to form AB Bröderna Kjellström to handle marketing and sales. On December 13, 1933 an agreement was signed establishing the foundation of Silva compasses. There is no doubt that the invention of the new Silva protractor compass gave the sport of Orienteering a technical boost not only in Sweden, but throughout Scandinavia. Silva soon became dominant in Sweden and AB Bröderna Kjellström started to export to neighbouring countries and then to other markets. By the late 1930’s Silva compasses were sold in 25 countries and to 14 different defence forces including the Swedish army. That army model compass with some modifications is still produced today for military forces all over the world. In 1970 Gunnar Tillander’s son, Hans-Gunnar Tillander purchased Silva Production AB and in 1980 AB Bröderna Kjellström. Then in 1996 he took a giant step offshore by acquiring the biggest and oldest (since 1894) compass manufacturer in the US – The Brunton Company. In 2000 the Swedish companies merged to become known as Silva Sweden AB with Tillander’s son-in law Lars Gullikson as CEO. The company now employs over 250 people in a magnetically sterile modern factory in Stockholm’s suburb Sollentuna. Silva Sweden AB produces nearly 2 million compasses annually and a multitude of other outdoors related instruments such as GPS and marine navigational products, atmospheric data centres, binoculars, headworn lamps, pedometers, map measurers, surveying instruments and Orienteering equipment – distributed to over 110 countries.
Björn Kjellström – ‘Father’ of Orienteering in North America
Björn Kjellström moved to the United States in 1946 and started Silva Inc. in La Porte, Indiana. He introduced Orienteering to the US in 1946 when he organised events for Boy Scouts. In 1948 he founded Silva Ltd. in Toronto, Canada where he organised and promoted Orienteering events throughout the fifties and sixties. In 1971, he co-founded the US Orienteering Federation (USOF) serving as director for many years. He was involved in the successful bid to bring the 1993 World Orienteering Championships to Harriman State Park near West Point. Björn was also on the Promotion & Education Committee of the International Orienteering Federation for several years in the early 1970’s. In 1971 he visited Australia at the invitation of Tom Andrews to give advice and support in the formative years of Orienteering in Australia. In 1955 he published the book “Be Expert with Map & Compass – The Orienteering Handbook” with many reprints over the years. Undoubtedly the biggest selling book on the subject, with worldwide sales of well over 500,000 copies in several languages. He remained an everpresent supporter and sponsor of Orienteering until his death in Stockholm, Sweden in 1995 aged 84. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 5
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Making Events more Friendly
Bob McCreddin President, Orienteering Australia
I
T is perhaps unfortunate that the statement of “The Leibnitz Convention” is hidden away from general view as the last Appendix to the Competition Rules for Orienteering Australia - Foot Orienteering Events because each time I read it I am excited at what it says for the development of Orienteering. True, the Leibnitz Convention is aimed at the big picture - giving our sport media appeal; attracting sponsorship; and achieving the entry of foot Orienteering into the Olympic Games, but its message is as equally important for all levels of Orienteering. The first three aims particularly have relevance at all events, conclusions borne out from research across all states in recent years as to why people choose to stay orienteering or why they try one or two events and then opt not to orienteer.
We need to accept that when we plan an Orienteering event, we are also planning a social function and that we should tailor the planning of our Orienteering event accordingly. The cards and letters that come my way – well telephone calls, e-mails and chats on the way to the start of an event – usually address social issues and ways of keeping people orienteering. Separate the women’s results from the men’s results to encourage women to participate. Separate the ages and do not force older people into one large class so that they gain recognition for their continuing participation. Reduce the costs to families attending events so as to encourage their continued participation. It is this last issue that has drawn the greatest comment throughout 2004, with several articles on the topic having also appeared in The Australian Orienteer. There is a strong plea across the country from parents of families to organisers of national carnivals to consider ways in which costs of participation can be kept to a minimum. The problem covers all aspects of the carnivals, with fees, transport and accommodation being the key costs. The problem is exacerbated when one – or more – junior members of the family start to become interested in interstate competitions and national teams. How do we tackle this issue? Should one person on the organising committee for each carnival be assigned the task of monitoring the costs for families, particularly for the older juniors, and seeking ways to reduce these costs? This is just another example of the manner in which we must successfully address the social contexts of Orienteering if the sport is to continue to expand and to prosper – let’s each of us try to implement the principles underpinning the Leibnitz Convention as we make our contributions to organising Orienteering activities. Keep spiking those controls.
• i ncrease the visibility of our sport by organising our events closer to where people are. Use maps based on popular parks with assembly areas close to where people assemble and of course locate events close to the people so that travel to events is not a deterrent. Results in the major newspapers, recording the event locations, are important to attract people. •m ake our event centres more attractive giving increased attention to the design and quality of installations. As annoying as human nature can be, the regular Sunday event needs to get the car close to the assembly area and the locations of the various event support facilities needs to be planned and not just left to happen. The real killjoy for an Orienteering event – presumably for the newcomer as much as the captivated orienteer – is the long line of cars parked down a narrow gravel road – can’t find your friends – too far to walk back and buy a cold drink - no common gathering place for club members. • i mprove the event centre atmosphere, and the excitement, by having both start and finish at the centre. We want to encourage parents to bring enthusiastic children to Orienteering events, we want to keep our orienteers in the sport by having their non-Orienteering family and friends accompany them to events, we want to attract the curious passersby. Locating the start and finish at the assembly area is a big bonus to these causes. As much as we may love the physical and mental challenge of the event, a major reason that most of the regular orienteers keep coming back is the friendships arising from the social experience. Perhaps this is best demonstrated with the juniors. While success is a key factor, the juniors will keep coming back if they are coming to see friends and to have a social outing. Why will so many regular orienteers who speak negatively about street Orienteering keep turning up to events? They come to see their friends and have a social outing!
6 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Subscribe now in Australia Dramatic top-event stories World-class instructions Independent investigations 2-year experience 7 x 52 pages (36 in COLOUR) $98 for seven issues Contact: The Australian Orienteer PO Box 294, Black Rock, Vic. 3193
LETTERS Start List I was very surprised to find that the start list for the Grapes of Rock Tour, for the first time in my memory, had names in starting order and not alphabetical order. This causes a lot of problems. Firstly, in big classes one has to search for one’s name (and everybody else’s!). This is pretty tiresome when one is searching for a lot of names, and the same difficulty occurs every time one searches for a name. Perhaps more importantly though, it makes it impossible to avoid seeing the sequence in which people are starting. No doubt there are some people who actually like to know this, but they can find that out with an alphabetical list anyway. The rest of us, for whom not knowing is important, are either forced to find out, or alternately not look at the start list at all. For these reasons I sincerely hope that organizers in future will revert to the normal practice of alphabetical start lists. Trevor Sauer (Qld) Chris Crane, Secretary Organising Committee 2004 Australian Champs Carnival, responds: 1. We were not the first one to publish the starting list in that format. Last year's was in the same format. 2. Both formats comply with the existing OA rules. 3. We believe it is a personal preference as to which format should be used. 4. An alphabetical listing was available at both starts and the control description station at the Australian Championships
Running on your compass IN her article (Australian Orienteer, September, page 31), Brigitte Wolf put forward hints on improving running on the compass. I think there is an extra reason why most orienteers often finish up too far to the left or the right. Most people are not just righthanded, but also right-footed. Your right foot stride in the terrain, where there is no clear
line of direction, is a little bit longer than the left foot. In an extreme situation, by night you can go in a complete circle and that will naturally be anticlockwise. Thomas Schoepf (Switzerland) From Swiss magazine OL, translated.
Supporting the Eugowra Community GARINGAL Orienteers wishes to extend a big thankyou to everyone who so generously contributed to the gold coin collection at the 2004 Australian Championships. A total of $789.00 was collected, and this will be split up between the respective landowners at Eugowra, without whose ongoing support and co-operation events like these would not be possible. Furthermore, the caterers at the Oz Champs were delighted with their return, having raised over $1000 for both local schools. We also received some very positive feedback from the businesses in Eugowra who were delighted with the patronage during the carnival. So thank you all for your support of the local community. Larry Weiss 2004 Oz Champs Organiser
Sportsmanship in Orienteering DEAR orienteering friends, I am writing to say thank you to all the kind people who helped me during the recent 2004 Australian Championships. I injured myself, leaving me unable to walk and helpless half-way through my course. After blowing a distress call on my whistle I was alarmed to see an elite New Zealand competitor, Greg Flynn, come to my rescue. Despite the fact that he had traveled all the way to Australia to compete in the event and my request that he finish his course and then come back for me, he insisted on going to seek help as he had just started his course. While I was sitting waiting for the rescue party several orienteers offered assistance, water and concern for my wellbeing. Some of them had their event and results in the event affected by their kindness.
The Australian Orienteer welcomes letters from members. Preference will be given to letters which are concise and which make positive points. The editor reserves the right to edit letters, particularly ones which are longer than 300 words. After a short time Greg had rallied orienteers and ambulance officers up the rocky hills to me. They carried me on a stretcher back to the ambulance and from there I was off to Canowindra hospital for X-rays. Being a relatively new orienteer (2 years) and equally interested in the competition and social aspects of the sport, I have often looked at the athletes around me (of all ages) and thought “wow!”, these people sure are very focused and very fit. But no level of wonder at their discipline or physical prowess can compare to the humbling experience of witnessing such admirable sportsmanship. To all those who stopped to help me that day, you lent a hand to get me out of trouble and I thank you. Your care and sportsmanship have moved me deeply. A special thanks to Greg Flynn, Sarah Goodwin, Basil Baldwin, John Anderson (?), Cath Chalmers and the Ambos. THANKS Nadine O’Dowd (NSW)
Aus Champs passports THANK you to all Orienteers who supported the Passport System in the recent MasoniCare Australian Orienteering Carnival. When I went back to Mudgee most organizations were raving about the result. We have received a great deal of positive feedback from many organizations involved in the Passport System, including the following message from David Spruce of Spruce's Pharmacy in Mudgee. Dear Tim
Cost of Map Printing AT the recent MasoniCare Australian Orienteering Championships five different versions of the map ‘Seldom Seen’ were produced for the model and championship events. Regulations require that the map be produced at 1:15,000 for Elites. However, to show the rock detail clearly, the map was printed at 1:10,000 for most of the non-elite classes. In order to gain the very best print, the 1:15,000 map had to be printed by the offset process, whereas the 1:10,000 maps had sufficient clarity when printed by the more convenient digital process. It is interesting, to say the least, to compare the costs of printing by the two processes. The offset maps printed with courses cost $1,997 for approximately 150 competitors. While digital printed maps with courses cost approximately the same for 780 competitors. Ron Junghans (NSW)
World MTB-O Champs I enjoyed being part of a large volunteer group helping set up the World MTB-O Champs each day. It was amazing just how many capable and patient leaders led the helpers each day to put up and later pull down each colourful and detailed venue. Food, First Aid and SportIdent facilities were all established like clockwork. It worked like a well-oiled machine as any hiccups were promptly dealt with. The almost invisible team looking after those important controls did a terrific and accurate job.
Thanks for your thanks. I have spoken to members of our Mudgee/Gulgong Hospitality organization and expressed my opinion that your passport system is the best feedback advertising I have ever conducted. My thanks for being part of your Carnival and my congratulations on the organizational side.
The Australian cyclists had some disappointments but also won several medals. We are so proud of their dedication and skill. It must also be noted, and be quite unique, that a mother and son, Carolyn and Adrian Jackson, were both representing Australia and both won medals. Surely this has got to be a first from any World Championships anywhere.
Regards David
Joyce Rowlands (VIC)
Thanks to everyone who “Supported those who supported us”. It was a great promotion for Orienteering. Tim Cox (NSW) DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 7
LETTERS
NEWS
World MTB-O Champs
All Anti-doping Tests Negative
On behalf of the Australian MTB-O Team, I would like to thank all of those at the VOA involved in organising the best World MTB-O Championships ever! From our point of view everything ran like clockwork, and most of the thanks is due to those dozens of volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the week and for months and years beforehand. I would especially like to thank Blake Gordon (without him there would have been no championships) and the course setters Derek Morris and Keith Wade for giving up much of their year. Thanks also to the VOA for supporting myself with funding, and the team sponsors; ASC, Silva, Netti, Macpac, Skins, Hammer nutrition and of course the famous Melbourne Bicycle Centre, they all made the results possible.
Adrian Jackson (VIC)
To Blake and Dale Gordon and the 2004 World MTBO Championship organisers, Thank you, thank you, thank you!! A wonderful event with excellent maps and courses. Such a special gift to the competitors. Such a special experience for the Australians to compete on home terrain. Your efforts were tremendous and greatly appreciated by all!
Emily Viner
8 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
2 November 2004 All the results of the antidoping tests carried out at this year's world elite events in foot orienteering have been negative. Athletes from 11 different countries were tested at the World Cup events and European Championships held in Roskilde, Denmark. At the World Orienteering Championships in Västerås, Sweden, athletes representing 16 nationalities were selected for doping tests. The testing programme included a total of 46 tests. The sample analysis was performed by the IOC accredited laboratories of Aker University Hospital in Oslo, and Huddinge University Hospital in Stockholm respectively. The IOF Anti-Doping Rules have been revised to be compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code and the new rules came into effect on 1 August 2004. In accordance with the requirements of the Code, the IOF has identified a registered testing pool of athletes who are required to provide up-to-date whereabouts information and make themselves available for out-of-competition testing. The IOF's testing pool includes the athletes of the national federations' A-teams in all IOF disciplines, i.e. foot orienteering, mountain bike orienteering, ski orienteering and trail orienteering.
Melbourne Forest Racers Melbourne Forest Racers (VIC) has had a very successful 2004. With only 24 club members, MFR achieved the highest number of placings in A/E-classes at the Australian Championships (9). Club member Adrian Jackson won Australia's first gold medal in the World MTB-O Championship – Middle-distance, while Clare Hawthorne and Natasha Key were Australian Champions in women's elite Long-distance and Middle-distance respectively.
Australian Team 2005 Australia-New Zealand Challenge The M/W21 teams are also Bushrangers teams and 2004 WOC team members were not considered for selection. M16 M18 M20 M21 M35 M40 M45 M50 M55 M60 M65 M70
Tristan Lee, Josh Roberts, Simon Mee Simon Uppill, Rhys Challen, Morten Neve Chris Naunton, Ryan Smyth, Kieran Sullivan Rob Preston, Ian Meyer, Blair Trewin, Rob Walter Paul Liggins, Mark Freeman Lance Read, Jim Russell Darryl Smith, Alex Davey, Andrew McComb Tony Whittaker, Eric Baker, Nick Dent Hugh Moore, Peter Jackson Dave Lotty, Dick Ogilvie, Alex Tarr John Hodsdon, John Sheahan, Basil Baldwin Frank Assenza, Brian Johnson, Gordon Howitt
W16 W18 W20 W21 W35 W45 W50 W55 W60 W65
Ineka Booth, Kylee Gluskie, Bridget Anderson Heather Harding, Rebecca Hembrow, Clare Brownridge Jasmine Neve, Erin Post, Kellie Whitfield Clare Hawthorne, Cassie Trewin, Tracy Bluett, Anna Sheldon Wendy Read, Christine Brown Carolyn Jackson, Hilary Wood, Julia Allston Sue Neve, Liz Bourne, Lynn Dabbs Judith Hay, Libby Meeking, Val Hodsdon Jenny Hawkins, Jean Baldwin, Janet Tarr Dorothy Adrian, Sue Mount, Maureen Ogilvie
National Junior Squad 2005 Selectors recently named the National Junior Squad for 2005: Julian Dent (NSW), David Meyer (NSW), Conrad Elson (Tas), Lee Andrewartha (Tas), Simon Uppill (SA), Ryan Smyth (Tas), Louis Elson (Tas), Chris Naunton (Vic), Hanny Allston (Tas), Jasmine Neve (Vic), Erin Post (WA), Kellie Whitfield (WA), Zebedy Hallett (SA), Sophie Barker (ACT), Heather Harding (ACT), Vanessa Round (SA)
Swedish O-Ringen Australia’s Julian Dent placed 11th in M20E at the recent O-Ringen Swedish 5-Days. This event attracts upwards of 20,000 competitors and to achieve so close to a top-10 finish in an elite class is no mean effort.
News from WOC’04 in Västerås, Sweden WOC statistics 38 nations entered, 400 participants, 32 men’s relay teams, 24 women’s relay teams, 800 workers during the WOC week, 200 media representatives, and around 6000 paying spectators.
Women’s Long Final Simone Luder lost a contact lens on the way to the 2nd control, losing 3 minutes while putting in the spare. Finnish
hope, Marika Mikkola closed the 4-minute start interval and caught Luder at control 3. Mikkola decided to run her own race, later saying, “You can’t rely on someone who had lost so much time.” Luder ran strongly from this point recording the fastest time from control 3 to the finish. If Mikkola had stuck with Luder, as is common in elite championship races, she would have won the title, but instead finished 3rd.
Triumph of Persistence and Experience Swede, Håkan Eriksson, 43, finished 2nd in the Sprint, 2.5 seconds behind the winner. Håkan, who won the M40 race at the World Masters 2002 at Kooyoora, first represented Sweden at the WOC in 1989, as a 28 year-old, where he finished 4th in the Classic race. Over the following years he ran a number of WOCs achieving two individual
NEWS 5th places and a number of relay medals. Håkan was upset when he was left out of the 2003 WOC team after placing at the Swedish trials in the Sprint distance that year. Håkan’s persistence was finally rewarded with his silver medal and he has said this will be his final WOC.
Thierry Gueorgiou Frenchman Thierry Gueorgiou again dominated the Middledistance race, leading from the 2nd control. The field was much closer to him this time though after his 2:45 min flogging of the next best at WOC 2003. Gueorgiou announced he plans to tackle the Long race in Japan 2005.
Most successful couple Norwegian couple, Bjornar Valstad, another veteran at 37, and Hanne Staff 32, collected a swag of medals. Bjorner won gold in the Long and Relay and Hanne won gold in the Middle, silver in the Long and a bronze in the Relay. Bjornar won his first WOC medal in 1991 and Hanne in 1997. Between them, they have won 22 WOC medals. They have said they are now likely to both retire from international elite competition.
Janne Salmi retires After a disappointing 2004 WOC, but a long career as World Champion, Finland’s Janne Salmi is retiring as an elite in international Orienteering.
Aussie Recognition in Skogssport Skogssport, in its coverage of this year’s JWOC in Poland, commented on the good performances of Hanny Allston as well as a few of the British girls. Skogssport reported that Hanny was “a name to remember. Allston was one of Australia’s best swimming talents but decided to pursue her Orienteering instead.”
DID YOU KNOW? Liechtenstein, Serbia & Montenegro, Slovenia and Turkey. Women contestants were entered by 33 countries and 34 entered men. Notably, Hungary, who have won three WOC gold medals over the years, have not sent any women.
IOF News Amongst those elected to the IOF Council for the Congress Period 2004-2006 were: Åke Jacobson (Swe) - President Hugh Cameron (Aus) - Senior Vice President
World Championships (Foot-O) 2007 & 2008 WOC 2008 has been awarded to Czech Republic; Hungary was appointed organizer of WOC 2009. Ukraine will host the WOC 2007 near Kiev. The 2007 World Ski-O Championships was awarded to Russia.
World MTB-O team trivia • Relay bronze medal winner Anna Sheldon only started competing in MTB-O this year. She was riding a 10 year-old, 3-owner bike that cost her $350! Anna finished 4th in the W21E foot-O Australian Championships. • Mary Fien had her athletics coach come down from NSW to watch her race. • One Aussie rider was found at 6am polishing his bike with “bike lust!” • Many riders got a thrill from being asked for their autographs by Castlemaine secondary school students. Nina Phillips (Ireland) reckoned that she got asked heaps because many students had Irish backgrounds, or so they claimed.
New member countries The IOF has approved new membership applications from four countries. Liechtenstein, Turkey and Colombia were admitted as full members and Puerto Rico as associate member. The IOF now has 63 members.
Aussie success in UK Lauren Shelley (BK-V), is currently in the UK and running with Ranelagh Harriers, whose past members have included Christopher Brasher and John Disley, the founders of Orienteering in Britain. Lauren was in action at the Great North Run near Newcastle and ran a truly awesome halfmarathon PB of 75:58. “Yep got the PB - 1:15:58,” she said, “and actually got a 10km PB on the way through too! Great day - good atmosphere and nice to run against some of the big guns and to see a fellow Aussie win!”
37 Nations entered for WOC’04 in Sweden
1. Benita Johnson (Aus) 67.55 (World Cross Country Champion & Athens Olympian)
Skogssport reported that 38 of the 45 IOF full-member countries had entered competitors for this year’s WOC in Vasteras, Sweden. The 8 countries missing were Belarus, Brazil, Kazakhstan, South Korea,
14. Lauren Shelley 75.58
Adrian Jackson signing autographs for Castelmaine Secondary College students after winning the Middle-Distance Gold Medal. Photo: Mike Hubbert • Austrian Michaela Gigon (Medium-distance gold medal winner, silver in Relay) rode all races with a sign on her bike saying “Don’t follow me, I’m lost too.” She was several minutes late to the pre-start in her gold medal race and forgot to clear and check, but luckily had enough space left on her SI stick. Michaela, currently works on contract with the Austrian Army as a mountain bike rider. Her current contract expires in November but she is hoping that her gold medal in the Middledistance final will help her gain an extension.
Events Tally OA Secretary Dave Lotty (NSW) has participated in the greatest
number of events, with 1972 to Dec 1st, followed by your editor, Mike Hubbert (VIC), with 1889 and Ian Baker (VIC) on 1835, while OV President, Blair Trewin, will have around 1225 events (and a lot more years to go than the rest of us). Let us know the top participator in your state. ‘Participation’ includes competing, course-setting, controlling and being the major Organiser.
Liz Randall Our former principal photographer Liz Randall (VIC) was at the World MTB-O Championships to take in the scene, especially number one son Alex in the Australian team. The day of the Medium-distance final (Alex punctured) was also Liz's sixtieth birthday, a big one. Liz has been concentrating on the bike for some time now that's why we haven’t seen her at foot or MTB-O events - with some notable successes. "In August the World Masters' road races were in the Tyrol province of Austria. I won Gold in both the 45 km road race and in the 20 km time trial. My aims were to do so well that I'd be drug tested: aim achieved! And to place in as many younger age classes as I could: I did that too.” "Then I went to Manchester in northern England where I won Silver in the pursuit and the time trial. I lost my world record in the pursuit and my aim now is to get it back in '05, again in Manchester. "I'm concentrating on track training with that goal".
Swiss in Oz Swiss elite Sara Gemperle and her husband Rolf are touring the east coast of Australia; Rolf is photographing for a “multi vision” show. “So as to be as flexible as possible”, says Rolf, “we have decided on a normal bike with a special tandem”. Passenger is daughter Eline who sits on a special chair and contributes to forward progress. Baggage is on a trailer. Sara, three times Swiss champion, is taking six months off from international orienteering. OL DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 9
AUSSIES OVERSEAS
WORLD ORIENTEERING CHAMPS – SWEDEN
World Orienteering Championships 2004 – The Inside Story Paul Liggins stayed with the Australian team in Västerås, Sweden. Here are exclusive extracts from his diary…
A
USTRALIA doesn’t have a pre-WOC training camp – half the team lives in Scandinavia and Natasha Key is the only one who hadn’t been in Europe training and racing for at least 3 months beforehand. At the opening parade in the old town square Natasha competes in the WOC public Sprint race and finishes an encouraging 3rd in W21.
Long-Distance Qualification As the heats unfold there are few surprises. Leading positions are dominated by Scandinavians. Local favourite Karolina A Höjsgaard serves a warning, winning her heat by more than 2 minutes. Of the Aussies, Grant Bluett and Tom Quayle qualify easily. Grant is less than 2 mins behind the heat winner in 7th and Tom’s 4th place earns him a late start for the final. Jo Allison and Hanny Allston both have solid runs in 7th and 8th respectively, with Hanny’s all the more impressive for being her first race at a WOC.
Middle-Distance Qualification The Japanese team is excited when they feature prominently in the local newspaper coverage of the previous day’s race. This quickly fades when Grant translates the Swedish headline into English for them: “And somebody has to come last”. None of their 6 runners came close to making the final and the Orienteering world is watching closely given they’re hosting WOC in 2005. Karolina A Höjsgaard (Sweden) had a big WOC winning Gold in the Classic and Relay, and Silver in the Sprint. Photo from Skögsport cover. The first few controls prove quite testing and many runners, including some favourites, lose time early. Simone Niggli-Luder (Switz) leads all the way, winning her heat by over 2 minutes. Reigning world champion Thierry Gueorgiou (France) is favourite again and he doesn’t disappoint. He has the fastest time of the day. All the Australians hold their nerve in tricky terrain. Grant and Dave are 8th in their heats, and Troy 10th. Danielle Winslow is 13th in her first WOC race, with Jo and Natasha 10th and 9th. In fact Australia is one of only 4 teams to get all 6 runners through to the final – Sweden, Russia and Finland being the others. Troy de Haas qualifying for the Middle-Distance final. Photo: Bob Mouatt
Tom Quayle finished 13th, our best ever result in a World Championship classic race. Photo: Bob Mouatt 10 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
AUSSIES OVERSEAS
WOC Sprint Final map Villa Utsikten – Scale 1:5000 – 3.06km Route shown, Gold Medalist: Niclas Jonasson (SWE)
Sprint Qualifaction and Final The sprint races are held in 50% forest/50% parkland at Rocklunda, literally across the road from our hotel. Qualification. The women are off first. Allison and Natasha qualify well. Hanny has fastest split to the first control and although she makes two mistakes her speed on the other legs is such that she qualifies easily in 8th place. Simone Niggli-Luder wins her heat by over 20 seconds and is hot favourite for the final. Karolina A Höjsgaard makes two mistakes and finishes 10th but she is fastest on most legs and also looks good for the final. BJ starts well but botches controls 7 and 10 to the tune of 30 seconds each and faces an anxious wait to see if he’s made the final – he scrapes in. Troy and Grant have great runs. Grant becomes only the second Australian to win a heat at WOC, with a 2 sec victory. All Australians are through to the final – one of only 6 countries to do so. Other notable qualifiers include 43 year-old Swede Håkan Eriksson, who finishes with a face full of blood after running into a tree. Thierry Gueorgiou is an ominous second in his heat and Finnish speedster Marten Boström, who a week earlier was competing for Finland in the 10,000 metres on the athletics track, is third. Sprint Final. Karolina A Höjsgaard sets an early benchmark that nobody is able to get near. Nobody except Simone Niggli-Luder who is
WORLD ORIENTEERING CHAMPS – SWEDEN
Natasha Key in the Sprint. Photo: Bob Mouatt already more than 30 sec. ahead after just half the course and she speeds round to easily claim her fifth consecutive gold medal. Speaking afterwards she admitted to being nervous but had, in her words “a perfect race”. All the Aussies run solidly but do not threaten the benchmark 10th spot achieved by Natasha Key in Switzerland last year. The men’s race is much closer. After a big rev-up from the commentary team BJ sprints off into the forest, setting a time to the first control that will not be beaten. At the spectator control he is not far off the course planner’s winning time and hopes are high. He loses 30 sec. on a small unmarked track at control 9 (as will Grant later) and eventually settles for 22nd place. An early fast time is set by Swede Niclas Jonasson but with many favourites to come he is not confident. Freshly-stitched up geriatric Håkan Eriksson takes the lead at the intermediate control, but loses it again, ending up 2.5 seconds behind. Ukraines’ 1995 world champion, Yuri Omeltchenko, finishes with exactly the same time as Eriksson. Swede Johan Näsman fumbles his last punch, losing about a second, which is the difference between silver and 4th place. Thierry Gueorgiou is only 0.2 seconds behind Näsman in 5th. Grant’s 18th place would, but for that track, have been well within the top 10. Troy is the closest an Australian has ever come to a gold medal in any WOC race – less than 40 seconds – but was still disappointed after making two small route choice errors. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 11
AUSSIES OVERSEAS
WORLD ORIENTEERING CHAMPS – SWEDEN
Long-Distance Final The men’s course is a combination of 4 super-long legs (including control 18 of 3.5km) and shorter, more technical controls. Although there is little green on the map, that is more than compensated for by the abundance of marshes and generally soft ground. Australia has just one starter in the men’s field but Tom Quayle achieves our best ever result in a classic race. Well-placed right from the first control, Tom moves gradually through the field and finishes 13th, one place and two minutes closer to gold than his previous best 14th in Norway in 1997. Although totally exhausted he is very satisfied with his race and he has firmly staked his claim as Australia’s best ever Long-distance runner. Early split times have Russian Valentin Novikov in the lead, ahead of Finn Pasi Ikonen and 1999 Long-distance gold medallist Bjornar Valstad (Norway). Novikov loses time and Valstad and Ikonen swap the lead until Ikonen’s poor route choice on the monster 18th leg leaves Valstad to hold the lead to the finish. The Norwegians celebrate and Holger Hott Johansen adds to their joy by scoring a bronze. Novikov totters up the finish chute barely able to keep himself vertical, but misses out on a medal. Sweden’s Mattias Karlsson runs a consistent race to take silver. Valstad had a poor start to 2004 and admits he was going to retire after WOC. But after his victory he quipped that “I’m still not as old as Håkan Eriksson, so who knows …”. The women’s final is even more exciting and starts sensationally. The crowd is hushed as news comes through that super-hot favourite Simone Niggler-Luder is 36th and has lost three minutes to the Finn Marika Mikkola after only 1.9km. We later learn that Niggli-Luder lost a contact lens at the second control and had to stop to replace it. Niggli-Luder loses more time and Mikkola, starting four minutes behind, catches both her and Norwegian Birgitte Husebye. This supergroup could be expected to fly along but as Mikkola explained afterwards they were not traveling smoothly “We were watching each other too closely and I was making poor route choices and Simone was losing time on the controls.” Still, Mikkola remains in the lead at control 7 when the group fragments. Mikkola messes up controls 8 and 10 and soon drops to 3rd, with Husebye taking the lead. Niggli-Luder starts to move through the field and the consistent 1997 Long-distance champion Hanne Staff (Norway) begins to make an impression. But there are more twists to come. Husebye loses time and Mikkola is once more leader in the forest, but she makes mistakes on controls 19 and 20. The crowd roars as news comes through that Sprint silver medallist Karolina A Höjsgaard has taken the lead. Höjsgaard wins ahead of Staff with Mikkola winning bronze in a very close tussle with Husebye and a fast-finishing Niggli-Luder. Both Hanny and Jo put in sterling performances and end up being separated by just 2 sec. Jo’s run was marred only by a 4 min mistake near control 10, on what should have been a 50 second leg.
Middle-Distance Final The WOC Middle-distance race is regarded by some as the purest test of Orienteering. Not requiring the same physical reserves of stamina as the Long-distance, it is usually the most technically difficult course, held on the best terrain. The ability to avoid mistakes is critical. Once time is lost the course is not long enough to recover. In the tricky Tortuna terrain current world and European champion Frenchman Thierry Gueorgiou goes into the final as hot favourite and delivers the goods. Splits show that he was 1 sec. off the fastest time for the first control, took the lead at the second, and was never headed. Gueorgiou does not appear to run any faster than his competitors; rather his navigation is simply superior to anyone else. Russian Valentin Novikov and Norwegian Anders Norberg both have consistent races to take the minor medals. Grant loses time early, including running from control 2 to 4, but finishes the race off well. His 17th is the best an Australian man has 12 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
ever done in the Middle-distance race. Dave has some good early splits, loses some time on two controls mid-race, but is generally happy with his 24th place. The Finnish team coach is spotted giving their men a dressing down after their highest placed runner is in a disappointing 11th place. Dominating the world rankings coming into WOC they remain medalless with only one race to go. In the women’s final an early sensation occurs when second-last to start Simone-Niggli-Luder loses over 2.5 minutes on controls 3 and 4, putting her out of contention for a medal. Russian Tatyana Ryabkina starts quickly and sets a time of just over 33 minutes. As the later starters come through the spectator control nobody is able to get within 20 sec of her time. Ryabkina makes a mistake of 30 sec on control 13 and super-consistent Norwegian Hanne Staff snatches the lead, maintaining her advantage to the end. Her gold medal matches her husband Bjornar Valstad’s Long-distance gold. Heli Jukkola sneaks through to take bronze for Finland. Surprisingly, Sweden fails to win a medal on the day. In fact, local and former WOC-medallist Gunilla Svärd demonstrates the difficulty of the course by losing over 34 min on the 300 metre eighth control, showing that even the best can totally stuff it up. As with many others Natasha Key loses time on the first leg, but is consistent thereafter and finishes, like Grant, in 17th.
Relays As usual the relays are exciting affairs. The 6000 spectators are treated to live TV coverage on the big screen, a spectator control and excellent commentary. Sweden maintains its faith with Gunilla Svärd and she comes back on the first leg at the head of a pack that also contains Russia, Norway, Finland and surprise packets Lithuania. Jo Allison has a good run and
AUSSIES OVERSEAS Winners’ Quotes Simone Niggli-Luder (Switz) – Sprint gold medallist: "It was a great race. Almost perfect. The orienteering went very well and I was able to run fast.” Karolina A. Höjsgaard (Sweden) – Sprint silver medallist: "It is possible for me to run faster, but not so much faster. I have run almost a perfect race." Niclas Jonasson (Sweden) – Sprint gold medallist: "I felt it was a bit tough physically. Technically it went well. I was a bit careful at some controls." Håkan Eriksson (Sweden) 43-years-old and Sprint silver medallist: "Motivation? When it's going good that isn't a problem. It's fun to run." Bjørnar Valstad (Norway) – Long-distance gold medallist: "Here, the terrain was totally different from what I grew up with in Trøndelag in Norway. I have had a lot of problems this year, but now I have another gold I will train during the winter and probably aim for Japan next year.”
Women Sprint 1 Simone Niggli-Luder Switz 2 Karolina A Hojsgaard Swe 3 Elisabeth Ingvaldsen Swe 4 Dana Brozkova Czech 5 Anna Marsell Swe 20 Natasha Key AUS 29 Hanny Allston AUS 36 Allison Jones AUS 44 Marta Florkowska Poland Women Middle-distance 1 Hanne Staff Nor 2 Tatiana Ryabkina Russia 3 Heli Jukkola Fin 4 Jenny Johansson Swe 5 Minna Kauppi Fin 17 Natasha Key AUS 30 Jo Allison AUS 38 Danielle Winslow AUS 45 Gunilla Svard Swe Women Long-distance 1 Karolina A Hojsgaard Swe 2 Hanne Staff Nor 3 Marika Mikkola Fin 4 Simone Niggli-Luder Switz 5 Birgitte Husebye Nor 23 Jo Allison AUS 24 Hanny Allston AUS 43 Iliana Shandurkova Bulg Women’s Relay 1 Sweden Gunilla Svard 1:53:41.0 Jenny Johansson Karolina A Hojsgaard 2 Finland Marika Mikkola 1:53:43.4 Minna Kauppi Heli Jukkola 3 Norway Birgitte Husebye 1:55:34.6 Elisabeth Ingvaldsen Hanne Staff 4 Switzerland Kathi Wilder 2:01:21.9 Vroni Konig-Salmi Simone Niggli-Luder 5 Russia Yulia Novikova 2:01:46.9 Olga Belozerova Tatiana Ryabkina 16 Australia Jo Allison 2:23:28.5 Hanny Allston Natasha Key 24 China 3:37:18.8
WORLD ORIENTEERING CHAMPS – SWEDEN 12:32.2 13:01.1 13:19.5 13:21.0 13:26.0 14:29.7 15:07.5 15:55.7 16:49.7 33:03.1 33:14.9 33:30.3 33:45.8 33:58.5 39:42.4 42:58.0 45:52.5 79:09.5 1:22:25 1:23:26 1:23:51 1:23:57 1:24:03 1:37:05 1:37:07 2:15:11 37:48.4 37:21.4 38:31.2 37:50.4 36:24.8 39:28.2 37:51.2 39:10.8 38:32.6 41:57.7 41:26.7 37:57.5 37:56.1 46:18.5 37:32.3 40:03.0 40:37.2 60:48.3
Men Sprint 1 Niclas Jonasson Swe 2 Hakan Eriksson Swe Yuri Olmetchenko Ukr 4 Johan Nasman Swe 5 Thierry Gueorgiou Fra 14 Troy de Haas AUS 18 Grant Bluett AUS 22 David Brickhill-Jones AUS 44 Pavlo Ushkvarok Ukr Men Middle-distance 1 Thierry Gueorgiou Fra 2 Valentin Novikov Russia 3 Anders Nordberg Nor 4 Emil Wingstedt Swe 5 Johan Nasman Swe 17 Grant Bluett AUS 24 David Shepherd AUS 41 Troy de Haas AUS 44 Alessio Tenani Italy Men Long-distance 1 Bjornar Valstad Nor 2 Mattias Karlsson Swe 3 Holger Hott Johansen Nor 4 Valentin Novikov Russia 5 Emil Wingstedt Swe 13 Tom Quayle AUS 41 Ivaylo Petrov Bulg Grant Bluett AUS Men’s Relay 1 Norway Bjornar Valstad 2:08:08.5 Oystein Kristiansen Jorgen Rostrup 2 Russia Mikhail Mamleev 2:08:12.5 Andrej Kramov Valentin Novikov 3 Sweden Mattias Karlsson 2:08:13.4 Emil Wingstedt Niclas Jonasson 4 Finland Jani Lakanen 2:09:48.3 Jarkko Huovila Mats Haldin 5 Great Britain Jon Duncan 2:12:30.5 Daniel Marston Jamie Stevenson 10 Australia Grant Bluett 2:15:13.6 Tom Quayle David Shepherd 32 Israel 3:33:26.1
13:06.5 13:09.0 13:09.0 13:09.8 13:10.0 13:46.2 13:58.5 14:09.5 16:33.9 32:45.9 33:07.1 33:12.3 33:14.4 34:09.2 37:05.6 38:03.9 42:37.9 49:42.3 1:45:25 1:45:57 1:47:00 1:47;48 1:48;31 1:53:39 2:34:43 dns 42:22.0 43:28.6 42:17.9 42:16.0 42:21.2 43:35.3 42:18.6 42:12.6 43:42.2 42:14.7 42:35.4 44:58.2 43:16.7 45:51.2 43:22.6 42:30.1 46:30.1 46:13.4
Karolina A. Höjsgaard (Sweden) – Long-distance gold medallist: "It's fantastic. At the start I felt a bit stressed, but I calmed down and got into the map. I ran safe routes. My relatives and people from work came along. I am glad they all could take part in my success." Thierry Gueorgiou (France) – Middle-distance gold medallist: "I made only small mistakes, about ten seconds in all. The first gold is something very special, but it is also something special to win here in Sweden whilst competing with all the good Scandinavians." Hanne Staff (Norway) – Middle-distance gold medallist: "What does this mean to me? It means that I can stop at the top. I wasn't thinking about speeding up towards the end of the race, but it was good to hear that I was leading when I passed the finish area before the final section. The news was an inspiration.”
is just 2 min down in 9th place for Australia. The big surprise is that current world champion Switzerland is more than 4 min down after Kathi Widler makes early mistakes.
finishing Russia. Unfortunately Australia comes unstuck as Natasha Key makes some early mistakes, loses confidence, and then struggles for the rest of the race.
Big changes happen on the second leg as the leading pack splits up. At the next change Finland has a 1-min lead over Sweden, with Norway a further minute back.
The men’s relay is no less exciting. The first leg is tight with 8 teams within 17 sec of the leader. Grant gets Australia off to a great start and after leading at the second radio control he finishes comfortably with the lead pack.
The big story is Australia’s Hanny Allston - today is a day Hanny will never forget. Running totally alone she passes runner after runner and Australia changes over in 4th place. As she comes into the arena by herself she is given a rousing reception. She is also given the honour of being interviewed by the commentators. She has the fourth fastest time for the second leg. Her’s is arguably Australia’s best ever women’s relay run at a WOC, and an outstanding result for someone in their first WOC relay. Bob Mouatt is so overcome he forgets to take a photo. Australia is now more than 3 min ahead of 5th, although with guns like Simone Niggli-Luder running the last leg it will not be an easy position to defend. In the last leg Finland’s Heli Jukkola makes a small early mistake allowing Sweden’s Karolina A Höjsgaard to catch up. They swap the lead throughout the remainder of the race. Sweden leads by up to 30 sec at one point, but Finland regains the lead. The gold medal is down to a sprint finish. Finland punches the last control first but to the delight of the crowd the reigning Long-distance gold medallist and Sprint silver medallist is too strong in the finish chute, winning by 2 sec. In her last WOC race Hanne Staff takes bronze for Norway, her 11th WOC medal in an illustrious career, ahead of Switzerland and a fast-
On the second leg, Sweden’s Emil Wingstedt starts with ferocious speed and quickly takes over the lead, but doesn’t manage to break free from a hunting trio of Norway, Russia and Finland. Behind them a couple of smaller packs form, including Tom Quayle. At the second change Wingstedt gives the Sprint world champion Niclas Jonasson a 6-sec lead, with Russia second, Norway third and Finland just 18 sec back. Sweden has the longer final leg split, falling to third. At the last control Norway appears first, just seconds ahead of Russia, and another few seconds back to Sweden. Norway gains their third gold and eighth medal of WOC 2004, four sec ahead of a tired Novikov from Russia who only just manages to take silver less than a second ahead of Sweden. Finland miss out on a medal again. Further back Dave Shepherd starts with Switzerland, Latvia, France and Great Britain close by. He has a moment of uncertainty early in the course and France, Latvia and Great Britain (Jamie Stevenson is on his way to the fastest final leg time and a 5th place finish) sneak away. He is then close to the current Swiss junior world champion Matthias Merz but cannot overtake him. Australia finishes in a respectable 10th place, some 7 min. behind the winners. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 13
The Wash Up The WOC races were very well organised and spectator interest, particularly at the finals was high. The web broadcasts were by all accounts excellent, and attracted hundreds of thousands of hits. The only hitch appeared to be with our WOC fan mail. Despite winning 4 public races between us Warren Key and I did not receive a single piece of mail from admiring female fans, a clear indication that there was something wrong with the system. The Australian results were, as in previous years, mixed. Tom Quayle’s run in the Longdistance was a standout, and we performed solidly in the Sprint and Middle-distance finals. But our results elsewhere throughout the year clearly demonstrate that so much more is possible. Natasha Key again performed well, though she had an uncharacteristic lapse in the relay, and Jo was solid. The highlight was Hanny Allston who, as the youngest competitor from any of the teams, had two top 30s in individual events, followed by a sensational relay run. All this in the most technically difficult terrain in the world. We achieved two top-16 places (top-16 being a benchmark for Australian government funding) and just missed out on several more. On the down side our results have not qualified us for a full team or a relay spot at the World Games (in Germany next year), where last time we were right in contention for a medal. Hanne Staff thanking the crowd after winning the Middle Distance final, her last individual race at a World Championship as she had announced her retirement. 14 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
BREAKING UP THE PACKS In both the men’s and women’s Long-distance races the course setters tried to split up the packs that inevitably form by using butterfly legs. In the men’s race, from control 11 to 17, competitors ran two small loops and passed through the same control three times ie control 11, 14 and 17 were the same control (see map). Competitors would do one or other loop first. In the men’s race, before the butterfly loops, 26 competitors were running in groups of 2 or 3, while after the loops, 18 of them were still running with somebody else. However, the next leg to control 18 was the course’s longest at 3.3km and this long leg proved more effective in splitting the groups as only 8 men were still running with someone else at control 18. There were 6 still running together by the finish. The butterfly legs were more effective in splitting up the women with 20 entering the loops with company but only 8 together afterward. Some people argue the butterfly legs are unfair because when a group of 3 reach them 2 will have the same order of loops while the 3rd person is left on their own running the loops in the other order. Some were calling for the start interval to be 3 minutes instead of the current 2 minutes to reduce the number of packs. (translated from Skogssport by Rob Lewis) Hanny Allston at spectator control in the Long final. Photo: Erik Borg
Grant Bluett’s Fan Club from the Sandviken school where he taught. Photo: Bob Mouatt
Bjørnar Valstad (Norway) on his way to Gold in the Long-Distance event. He also won Gold in the Relay. Photo: Bob Mouatt DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 15
NATIONAL ORIENTEERING LEAGUE
State Champs Roundup
2004 National League
Blair Trewin
Blair Trewin
Queensland, Old Hidden Vale, 21-22 August
The Canberra Cockatoos’ run of nine successive National League titles was broken in 2003 by the Victorian Nuggets. The position going into the final week of the 2004 season was quite similar to that in 2003, with Canberra 25 points ahead of the Victorians, but Canberra was much stronger this year (particularly their women), and they ran away with the title, their tenth in 12 years.
The championships season commenced in Queensland on the 2004 Easter maps. A good contest emerged in M21A, with four separated by seven minutes over the two days. Mark Nemeth led by three minutes on the first day, but was overtaken by Nathan Lawley on the long second day. Scott Simson just held off Matthew Bourke for third. There was also a second-day lead change in W21A, when Anna Sheldon came from two minutes down to win by seven against Julia Davies. Ainsley Cavanagh finished third. SA, Twigham, 5 September The South Australian Championships, near the 1990 Easter areas at Burra, were a largely local affair, though M21A provided a major exception. Bruce Arthur, now resident in Victoria, scored an expected win. He was pushed all the way by SA junior Lachlan Hallett. Another junior, Conrad Elson, completed the placings. W21A was also a good race for the juniors, with Zebedy Hallett prevailing narrowly over Jenny Casanova. Victoria, Kooyoora, 12 September The venue in Victoria was on the north side of Kooyoora, regarded as one of the most difficult areas in the country. Competitors found it a very serious challenge indeed, with many long times. Mistakes by some of the big names opened the door for significant upsets (Dianne Searle and John Meeking won their first-ever state titles in W60 and M60 respectively), none of them bigger than Emma Prime’s win in W21E. Prime, a JWOC representative in the late 1990’s, was running her first major elite race after several years away from the competition. She was comfortably ahead of Kathryn Ewels and Hania Lada. M21E was closer, with Stewart Fishwick holding off a fastfinishing Simon Goddard by 18 seconds. Bruce Arthur, who led through the middle of the race, lost time late and finished third.
The real contest was for second place. The NSW Stingers whittled away at Victoria’s lead through the week, and hit the front for the first time after the Australian Championships, by a single point. That left NSW, with two strong relay teams, in the box seat, and a mispunch by the Victorian women on the first leg made sure of it. Just behind in 4th were the Queensland Cyclones, enjoying their best season. Their women performed particularly well, outscoring both NSW and Victoria over the course of the year. The Spring Cup individual competition took place during Australian Championships week. New Zealanders took the honours in the men’s competition, with Chris Forne and Karl Dravitzki tying for first, and Rob Jessop and Darren Ashmore also in the top five. Eric Morris, in third, was the only local to get a look in. Nicki Taws, with three wins midweek, was a comfortable winner of the women’s event, with Jo Allison and Tracy Bluett completing the placings.
Tasmania, Royal George, 18 September The deep ranks of Tasmanian male juniors dominated M21A at the Tasmanian Championships, filling three of the top four places. Conrad Elson scored by three minutes over Ryan Smyth, with only Bernard Walker breaking up the juniors group by taking 3rd just ahead of Lee Andrewartha. Jasmine Elson was the only W21A entrant. ACT, Sparrow Hill, 19 September As in Victoria, the open fields in the ACT suffered from the absence of the WOC team, but Nicki Taws would have taken some beating even if everyone was there, having a comprehensive eight-minute win in W21A. Orla Murray was 2nd in her best result of the spring season, with Tracy Bluett third. Julian Dent was similarly impressive in M21A, four minutes ahead of Stewart Fishwick and Rob Preston. WA, Calophylla, 18-19 September John Toomey and Craig Dufty fought out a tight battle in M21A over the two days of the WA Championships. Toomey led by just under a minute on the first day, and was able to extend that by another minute on the second day for a narrow victory. The improving junior Rhys Challen was third. Rachel West set up a comfortable W21A win taking a four-minute lead on the first day. Cath Chalmers pushed her on the second day but couldn’t overhaul her lead. Chalmers’ fine second-day effort got her into 2nd place, just ahead of Karen Staudte. 16 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Above: The successful Canberra Cockatoos, National O League Champions for 2004. Left: Nicki Taws, winner of the Spring Cup individual competition. Photos: Bob Mouatt
2004 Junior National League The inaugural team competition in the Junior National League was taken out by Tasmania in a tight three-way contest with Victoria and Queensland for most of the season. A great day at the Australian Championships saw them wrap up the team trophy with one event to spare. Victoria held off Queensland by a single point for second. Julia Davies had an excellent season in her final year as a junior. Five wins in the first half of the season, including all three days of Easter, gave her a big lead, which was beyond the capacity of Hanny Allston to catch, despite a good finish to the year. There was a great battle for third with seven still in with a chance going into the final event, but Mace Neve’s second in the Australian Championship saw her claim the honour. Julian Dent went into the 2004 season as hot favourite, but the number of events he missed (either through running in elite classes or organizing) meant that he had little margin for error. He won all seven of the rounds which he contested to see off Conrad Elson, who led for much of the season. Lachlan Hallett won a tight contest for third over a fast-finishing Simon Uppill.
2004 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Grapes of Rock 2004 Australian Championship Carnival Blair Trewin (VIC) The Australian Championships came to a region in central New South Wales previously best known for Easter 3-Days in 1991 and 1996. With venues closer to Dubbo than any others previously mapped, an eye was cast to 2007 when JWOC comes to the area. The busiest Carnival week yet featured, in addition to the regulars, the first Australian Sprint Championships and an AustraliaNew Zealand Test Match. For many there were six races in eight days. There were many highlights, not least being the emergence of several well-performed Juniors who will still be eligible for JWOC in three years time.
David Shepherd, a jump ahead of the rest at the Aust Champs. Photo: Bob Mouatt
NSW Champs “Ganguddy” was memorable for two things - the terrain and outstanding performances by two of those Juniors. The terrain was spectacular with many cliffs and rock domes and magnificent views from some controls. Some wondered whether the area was appropriate for high-pressure races (particularly after seeing climbing ropes in a couple of places) and the question of how we would have coped had it been wet was left unanswered. It was certainly an interesting orienteering experience, and no-one did too much damage to themselves. Spectacular performances by two South Australian juniors, Simon Uppill and Vanessa Round in their first year of 18s, set a high standard for the week. The word around was that Uppill’s running had improved over winter, but no-one anticipated the extent of
his demolition of a field including three JWOC representatives. He won by 13 minutes, against both the 18s and the 20s (who ran the same course), and his time would have put him in serious contention for a place in M21A, whose first loop was the M18 course. Round comes from the opposite background – a fast runner capable of brilliant things but not always consistent. “Ganguddy” did not seem a likely venue for her to impose herself, but she ran magnificently and, like Uppill, would have been competitive in the elite race. On another day Kellie Whitfield’s performance, one of her best in a blossoming career, would have given her a well-deserved victory, but she had to settle for 2nd place, 4 min behind Round.
The Carnival finished with the Australian Relays at “Clonalton”, an almost-open area with extensive granite.
Schools Champs ACT and Victoria tied in the Australian Schools Championships at “Tarcoola”, after a dramatic day which came down to the sprint finish for sixth place in the junior boys’ relay. Queensland’s Ben Freese held off Victoria’s Daniel Creely, preventing the Victorians from taking the title on their own. It was Victoria’s second win and ACT’s first title since 1993. Queensland took third in their best result for a decade. New Zealand, after an excellent day at the relays, won the Southern Cross Junior Challenge by a point.
The individual was a day of unexpected results. Only Ineka Booth’s win in the junior girls over Bridget Anderson and Kylee Gluskie was anticipated. New Zealander Jack Vincent comfortably won the junior boys’ race while Heather Harding won the senior girls’ event and Victorian Chris Naunton blew the senior boys’ race wide open to win by an impressive three and a half minutes from Tasmanian Louis Elson.
Sprint Champs Dave Shepherd and Nicki Taws became inaugural Australian Sprint Champions at the University of Sydney’s Orange campus. An unexpected title for Taws, given she was up against Natasha Key and Hanny Allston – both significant international sprint performers. Allston burst out of the blocks taking a 30-second lead by 7, but lost nearly all of it with a mistake on 8. From then on there was little to separate them and Taws was a single second clear of Key at the finish with Allston three seconds back. There was no close finish for the men. Shepherd won by 27 seconds, a huge margin over such a short course. Julian Dent, who might have got close, lost 20 seconds at 7 and it was New Zealanders Karl Dravitzki and Chris Forne who came through for placings.
Simon Upill (SA) convincingly won M18 at the NSW and Aust Champs. Photo: Bob Mouatt DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 17
2004 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Australian Champs “Seldom Seen” is an area of complex and physically tough granite and many were undone by the terrain. But not Dave Shepherd. He won in spectacular fashion by a record margin of nearly 11 minutes. Critical legs were the fifth and sixth, the first major long legs on the mountain. He was three minutes clear of the field by 6, and although he lost time at 7 and 8, he then pulled further and further away. It was an imposing performance but behind him only 12 minutes separated 2nd and 22nd. Warren Key held on – just – to the end, finishing 2 sec ahead of Rob Jessop to claim an excellent 2nd place at the age of 45. Ranked a distant outsider Clare Hawthorne surprised by taking her first elite national title. She ran consistently in terrain where her challengers blew their chances. Tracy Bluett lost 11 minutes on the long fourth leg, Jo Allison four at 8, and Tania Robinson and Orla Murray five at 9. Natasha Key then lost six minutes at 11 and it was all over. Julian Dent was untroubled in winning M20, his eighth national junior title breaking a record held by Blair Trewin. In M18, Simon Uppill proved his NSW Champs run was no fluke. In similarly tough terrain his run was even better, though Louis Elson pushed him closer than anyone had managed the week before. With JWOC 2007 expected to be in similar terrain it was a deeply encouraging result for Australian prospects in three years time. In older classes the usual suspects come to the fore. Ian Hassall (M70) became the third person to reach 10 national titles, while Maureen Ogilvie’s 11th win took her one closer to Hermann Wehner’s 13.
masoniCare 2004 Australian Championships - route choices made by the M21E placegetters. We will be analysing some route choices, including commentary from the athletes, in Great Legs in the March 2005 edition.
18 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
2004 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS And they’re racing at Clonalton... Australian Relay first leg runners. Photo: Bob Mouatt
spectator control together, but Dent had a shorter final leg and that was that. Victoria was 3rd after three solid legs, without ever challenging the leaders. Tracy Bluett gave NSW an early lead in W21A, a minute ahead of Jo Allison and Hanny Allston, but ACT had the deepest team, taking control on the second leg. Queensland were closest challengers (an excellent year for them) but to close a fourminute gap on Nicki Taws was a tall order for Anna Sheldon and she had to settle for 2nd place.
Australian Relays The Carnival finished with the Australian Relays at “Clonalton”, an almost-open area with extensive granite. NSW and ACT fought out M21A. Though Chris Forne and Darren Ashmore, running for separate NZ teams, led early Rob Preston and Anthony Scott were just behind. Second runners, Eric Morris and Stewart Fishwick, took control sending the last runners out 14 sec apart and five minutes clear of anyone else. Julian Dent and Dave Shepherd came into the
A solid final leg by Orla Murray gave NSW 3rd place.
Above: Vanessa Round (SA) at the Australian Champs. Right: Victoria’s final leg runner, Chris Naunton, is accompanied by teamates Steven Cusworth and Rob Fell as they won the Senior Boys Relay at the Australian Schools Champs.
Tasmania, well-deserved winners of the Junior National League, showed their strength by turning out an M20 team so strong that JWOC representative Lee Andrewartha got relegated to their second team. They won comprehensively. W20 was a lot closer, with four teams separated by less than 2 min at the last change. Amy Gibbens had easily the day’s fastest time to bring Queensland home over South Australia.
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 19
COMPETITION
BUSHRANGERS held up by Kiwi PINESTARS Sue Key and Blair Trewin The Grapes of Rock carnival in September included a Test series between the Australian Bushrangers and the N.Z. Pinestar elite teams. The Aspin Key trophy was convincingly won by the strong New Zealand team over the 3 days of competition and congratulations go to them. The Pinestars’ strength in the men's contingent was unbeatable. Chris Forne and Karl Dravitzki led the challenge each day. With only a small team at the World Championships, the Kiwis were close to fullstrength in Australia, and all six men challenged for high places at various stages The Bushrangers men were in amongst them with Julian Dent and Simon Goddard running well. The women's teams were more evenly matched with the Bushrangers women pegging back some points. Tracey Bluett had consistently good runs supported by the rest of the Australian girls. Tania Robinson was the only New Zealander challenging for top placings. It was probably the best performance, for consistency, of a New Zealand elite team in Australia, and the rematch in New Zealand during the Oceania Carnival in January will be eagerly awaited. Bushrangers representatives: Women: Tracey Bluett, Julia Davies, Mace Neve, Wendy Read, Anna Sheldon, Rachel West Men: Bruce Arthur, Simon Goddard, Julian Dent, Ian Meyer, Craig Dufty, Rob Preston, Blair Trewin
The Australian Bushrangers team: left to right, Rob Preston, Blair Trewin, Mace Neve, Bruce Arthur, Anna Sheldon, Simon Goddard, Julia Davies, Ian Meyer, Tracey Bluett, Julian Dent, Rachel West, Craig Dufty, Wendy Read, Sue Key (Coach/Manager).
World Cup Finals Blair Trewin Holger Hott Johansen (Norway) and Simone Niggli-Luder (Switzerland) are the 2004 World Cup champions, after the final round of events, contested in Germany in late October. Both secured their victories with wins in the final race, with Niggli-Luder particularly impressive, winning by five minutes. Sweden took out the relay titles for both men and women. In addition to her win in the final Long-distance race, Niggli-Luder won the Sprint, whilst Emma Engstrand (Sweden) took out the Middle-distance event. Men’s round winners in Germany were Mats Troeng (Sweden) in the Middle-distance and Oystein Kvaal Osterbo (Norway) in the Sprint.
New Zealand’s Karl Dravitzki performed well for the Pinestars against the Bushrangers. Photo: Bob Mouatt 20 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Simone Niggli-Luder (Switzerland), the 2004 World Cup champion.
No Australians contested the final rounds. The best Australians in the overall pointscore were Grant Bluett (39th) and Natasha Key (44th), most of their points being earned during the World Championships. The Australians were not the only ones missing, with the German events being contested by an abnormally small field of only 52 men and 38 women, about half the usual size. Perhaps annual World Championships have relegated the World Cup to the background.
COACHING
Teamwork
Lessons from Bill Nelson Neville Bleakley OA Manager (Coaching Programs)
In August this year Bill Nelson gave a talk on teamwork at the University of Canberra. Coaches from the AIS and the ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) were invited. For Bill, it was a chance to renew old friendships, as he spent six years at the AIS as a swim coach, coaching some of Australia’s finest athletes. He was respected as one of the best communicators in the business.
B
Y 1996 Bill was spreading his wings. He was an integral part of in the South East Melbourne Magic winning the 1996 National Basketball League Championship, against seemingly all odds. In 2000 he published his thoughts on building and maintaining a winning team, in a book titled “Gold Teamwork”. Bill is an inspirational speaker, and his messages are easily understood. I bought a copy of his book and asked him to autograph it. He wrote on the inside cover “Success is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride”. Readers might like to think about what that means to them.
Orienteering is an individual Sport – Why Worry About Teamwork? In families, every person is an individual too – but the family has to function as a unit, hopefully allowing space for those who need more of it, or need more of it at certain times. If one person assumes that the family is primarily HIS or HERS – no matter what their role may be (sole breadwinner perhaps) – then that family will have a tough job maintaining purpose and harmony. Every person in a family is capable of adding value, but their contribution must be recognized and appreciated by the other members if the whole is to work as a unit. So it is with Orienteering teams.
Team Roles Bill Nelson likens the team to a tribe, where ultimately their survival will depend upon the interaction, communication and cooperation amongst all members of the tribe – the warriors, the educators, the hunters and gatherers and the wise old elders. On Jan 28, 1986, the space shuttle “Challenger”, arguably the most technologically advanced piece of machinery in the world at that time, exploded because of the loss of resilience in two $1.50 O-ring seals. Everyone’s role is critical to the outcome of the team. Not everyone in the team is going to have a high profile, be highly paid, or be highly motivated, but they can still add value to a team.
The Environment Legendary Australian swimming coach, Forbes Carlile, once said “Our aim is not to produce champions but to create an environment from whence champions are inevitable”. Bill’s advice is to be better than your competition in at least one thing – then build on that. Not every team can be the best in everything it does. It’s an old Chinese proverb that the road to success begins with one small step.
Relationships Within the Team Bill Nelson maintains that within any team structure there will always be some level of conflict amongst members. Superior performance, social rivalry, misunderstanding of goals and responsibilities, lack of space in which to operate, and/or grouping of team members may cause rivalry. His advice to leaders is, before making a judgment on what course of action to take, look at all the circumstances, and who played what role in the scenario. Then make your move.
Leave Your Ego at the Front Door It’s natural for athletes and coaches to have an ego. Bill Nelson maintains that if you are participating or competing for the benefit of yourself, then the team will suffer. Every athlete should be proud of what their team achieves, and be proud of their role in achieving that outcome. Individuals are always better because of the people around them. Egos can be our greatest asset or our greatest undoing. Telling people how great you are doesn’t necessarily make you good in their eyes, anyhow. If you talk about team success, people on the outside will understand your role in that success.
Australian Orienteering There is so much in Bill Nelson’s book that will resonate with the reader involved in sport. It’s not a book of formulae, but more a book to make the reader think about methods of operating with teams, and ways of viewing situations. Perhaps the most potent message for Australian Orienteering in 2005 would be Bill’s exhortation to “Live locally, think Globally”. He gives a telling example from swimming in the early ‘90s. Translated into orienteering-speak the same message would be that it’s very tempting to look at the powerful European Orienteering countries and to copy their models for preparing their best. However, we don’t live in Europe so their programs are not going to suit us. Our home is where we are. We live, operate and socialize in a certain environment for certain reasons. It’s OK to dream, but bring those dreams home, make home better and then take a look at the real picture. Reproduced with permission from Bill Nelson’s Total Performance Concepts Pty Ltd. If you would like to purchase 'Gold Teamwork' please send an email to: totalperformance@totalperformance.com.au with ‘The Australian Orienteer’ in your subject line. The cost is $25 + $5 p&h. For each copy you buy, $5 will go to Orienteering Australia’s AO magazine account. Also, if you would like to continue to see the latest articles Bill is producing, you might want to subscribe to Total Performance Concepts Pty Ltd free newsletter called 'The Full Nelson'. Just send an email to: newsletter@ totalperformance.com.au with 'subscribe the full nelson' as your subject line. NEW FOR 2004 - UPDATED VERSION OF BILL NELSON'S GOAL SETTING STRATEGIES CD - listen to Bill Nelson explain his three-step goal setting programme that has developed Olympic champions, created record breaking business profitability and allowed people to live the life they have always dreamed about. Visit http://www.totalperformance.com.au or contact Bill’s office on (02) 4942 4987 DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 21
COACHING
Women’s Coaching Clinic a big success Anthony Scott and Nicki Taws (ACT) In 2004 a series of coaching clinics for women and girls were held in the ACT in conjunction with existing Saturday events. The clinics were funded by a grant from Sport & Recreation ACT. In total, 50 women registered for the clinics, their level of experience ranging from beginners to intermediate standard. The clinics aimed to encourage new participants to the sport in a social, noncompetitive environment, and also to encourage existing participants to improve their skills. Eight experienced female orienteers and coaches assisted at each session, providing advice on navigation and map reading skills. Each session ended with morning tea to provide an opportunity for coaches and participants to chat about their runs, and to meet each other on a social basis. Some typical comments from participants are shown below. Their comments indicated a need for local events that are convenient for beginner and recreational orienteers who are reluctant to drive long distances to events or spend the whole day orienteering. They also demonstrate the advantage to beginners and new club members of having some friendly faces at each event who make them feel welcome, and can provide some coaching advice. • “ I really enjoyed the coaching clinic. I guess I would not have gone to Orienteering again if it wasn't for the clinic. I find it always difficult to turn up alone to groups and events, especially if you are unsure about the skills required. I particularly liked being able to discuss 'the plan of attack' before setting out, to learn to think like a real orienteer.” • “ Having a coach run with me made the event more enjoyable as she made me think about new ways to navigate. It certainly made a favourable impression on me as I have now become a member! Your willingness to have a chat with me at the events has certainly been a big factor in my decision to join as it gave me a sense of "belonging" despite being a newbie.” • “ The clinic has been really useful in terms of giving me tools to understand where I've been going wrong, and how to improve. So overall, it's boosted my confidence and motivated me to keep participating.”
22 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
• “ These Orienteering events have the advantage of being held close to the city and as they take place every week there are heaps of opportunities for practice which is (I think) what really helps improving my navigation after knowing the basics. Those handouts on the basics have been very clear and handy for me, also the hints that the coaches gave me during the sessions. I think the idea of organizing the clinic for women and girls periodically is fantastic.” • “ While the lessons gave a great introduction to the basics of Orienteering, it was the one-on-one coaching that, for me, had the biggest impact. Getting techniques and tips directly from elite orienteers was extremely beneficial. The coaching clinic was also a great way for newcomers to get to know some of the other club members. This makes you feel more like a 'real' orienteer and I think will encourage people to keep coming back to events.” • “ I really enjoyed learning a new sport and am excited about being able to mix physical activity with some thinking. As a long term triathlete, Orienteering will be a welcome change from long miles in the pool, on the bike and running.” • “ I thought the way you organised the clinic was excellent. Your individual coaches were delightful; I had the pleasure of Valerie's help for two of the weeks and she was just lovely. The welcome provided to "drop ins" was also great. There was no pressure to "sign up" for any long term commitment, although I'm sure, like me, others will become members of ACT Orienteering and the clubs.” This was the first time Orienteering ACT had run such a program and it’s great success has demonstrated the benefits of holding women and girls coaching clinics every year. The success and enthusiasm of the participants has also encouraged the coaches to continue providing informal support at future Saturday events.
Nicki Taws advising Michelle van der Voort – one of the participants at the Women & Girls Clinic.
Books on orienteering There are a great number of books on all aspects of orienteering. For a list and prices contact: Orienteering Services of Australia 44 Alexandra Parade, Clifton Hill VIC 3068 Phone (03) 9489 9766 Email info@macson.com.au
O PEOPLE POCKET PROFILE
INJURY OF THE MONTH Glenn Meyer (NSW)
Vanessa and Mike Round W18 & M55, Tintookies Orienteering Club, South Australia Vanessa competed in school champs from 2000 but commenced weekend events in 2002 after getting involved through school in the Readii group organized by Kay Haarsma (who taught at her school). An O-trip to Victoria run by Kay “was lots of fun and made me take a real liking for the sport.” Mike (Dad) got involved through taking Vanessa to events. Vanessa: I do cross country running with the school team but I like the decision-making and the mental as well as the physical challenge. I like going to interesting places and running in rugged bush terrain. Mike: ditto, and because O has a very good social scene. Vanessa: My fave map in SA is definitely the Flinders because it’s “tricky country”, and while her Dad agrees on that point he likes the open grasslands, granite and gums of Marne Gorge because “you can see the lay of the land”. Vanessa’s best events are 2nd Senior Girls Australian School Champs 2003 and 1st NSW champs W18, 2004. The W18 and M55 are often the same course and so the two can compare times “I used to take over an hour longer than Vanessa to get home, but I recently came back less than 10 minutes behind!” Mike said. Mike: Janet and Phil Davill did a great job editing SAO for many years but I was really surprised that no-one else seemed to want to take on the job when they decided to call it a day. I had no idea I’d be new editor but when no-one else came forward I put my hand up. It is a fair time commitment but I like the job. I want SAO to continue being something that members really enjoy to see in their letterbox. It has to have wide appeal, elites to walkers and be entertaining as well as TheOur Australian Sports Commission is the Federal informative. printer is fellow orienteer Bob Government Smith andagency that’s great.
Winning Partnership
responsible for theI funding and development of sport Australia.this Through two the main Vanessa: What most liked about the Aus in Champs yearitswas terrain challenging and very different to SA. The relays programs- –very the Australian Institute of Sport, and Sport Performance andschools Development – the were exciting because of the team spirit and maybe because you feel a Australian Sports Commission supports a wide range of initiatives designed to bit of extra pressure to do your best. Staying with the other teams and develop sporting excellence and increase participation in sport by all Australians. catching up with interstate friends is the other highlight”
I was stretching my calf muscles at the start area of the third day of the Easter 3-Days in Ipswich, Qld, doing the pushing-against-a-tree stretch, when from nowhere a kangaroo burst out of the bush right in front of me and ran straight into me. Obviously it was spooked by the starting crowd and was moving really fast down the hill. Its head went straight into my ribs, really knocking the wind out of me. Within half-a-second, it was out of sight, on its way down the hill. A couple of people laughed, a couple asked if I was alright. It was quite painful as I was called to my start less than a minute later. Once out on the course, I couldn’t get going properly it was too painful to breathe heavily. After two controls I just had to give up and head for the finish. Back in Sydney the doctor told me it was probably a small parting of the cartilage, but not a break. The main effect was not being able to exercise properly for a few weeks. Luckily it was OK for APOC’04 in Kazakhstan about 6 weeks later. Funny thing - it was the only kangaroo I saw all weekend. I think it must have been a setup because I had a sixpack of beer on the line with
Glenn recovered well enough from his kangaroo encounter to be able to race at APOC in Kazakhstan in May.
someone who I was just a couple of minutes ahead of going into the last day! (Ed. Did anyone see a guy in a kangaroo suit?)
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T H E A U S T R A L I A N S P O R T S C O M M I S S I O N P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S O R I E N T E E R I N G A U S T R A L I A
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 23
WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
Pedal to the Medal Contributions from Blair Trewin (VIC), Bob Mouatt (ACT) and other correspondents.
AUST RALIAN T EAM Men: David Baldwin (ACT), Anthony Darr (NSW), Adrian Jackson (Vic), Alex Randall (Vic), David Searle(ACT), Tom Walter (ACT); Reserves: Paul Darvodelsky (NSW), Grant Lebbink (Vic). Women: Belinda Allison (ACT), Mary Fien (NSW), Carolyn Jackson (Vic), Anna Sheldon (Qld), Julie Quinn (ACT), Emily Viner (ACT/Vic); Reserve: Elsie Northey (Vic).
LONG-DISTANCE
Qualification: Viner wins – Finn’s title defence derailed Highlights of the Long-distance Qualification races on a sunny day at Creswick Forest were Emily Viner’s win in the women’s event and the elimination of reigning World Men’s Champion, Jussi Makila (FIN), who finished a tantalizing 1min 42sec away from the last qualifying place after puncturing about two-thirds of the way around the course. He lost six minutes attempting to repair the tyre and eventually had to carry his bike. Emily was closely followed by French favourite Laure Coupat who appeared to be a real danger for the final but, as the event unfolded, we found there were some dark horses in the forest.
Jackson takes Bronze - Viner’s medal hopes punctured The serious business came next day at Wombat Station & Bell’s Reef, near Daylesford. Competitors and spectators alike were treated to a perfect day. The large open, panoramic assembly area provided spectators with an excellent view of competitors as they passed through the paddock for a map exchange roughly half-way through the course.
Adrian Jackson on his way to a Gold medal. Photo: Bob Mouatt
In October, the 2004 World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships were staged in Ballarat, Victoria. For Australia, it was a week to remember, not just because of our successful hosting of the event, but because it brought five medals. Prior to 2004, there had only been four Australian medals in any form of Orienteering at international level. To more than double that in a single week was exceptional, particularly so for Adrian Jackson, who claimed a gold medal and two bronzes, but the spoils were shared around with seven of the twelve team members going home with metal of some colour.
24 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Emily Viner, a silver medallist in 2002, entered the day as a serious Australian hope. Emily started well, making up over 4 min on Laure Coupat in the first loop. She was right in the contest for much of the race, with her most serious challenger being the German, Antje Bornhak, and Finn, Paivi Tommola, who led in the middle stages. Emily regained the lead momentarily before Tommola came back to lead Emily by a few seconds with three controls to go. Both struck trouble in the closing stages, with Viner suffering a puncture in the last few kilometres, and that opened the door for another German. Anke Dannowski had lost three minutes in the first three controls, but rode a magnificent race thereafter, taking the lead at 12 and eventually winning quite comfortably. Tommola pipped Bornhak on the line for silver, whilst Viner had to settle for fifth. Dannowski’s medal was the first gold won by a German in any form of Orienteering. The men’s event was a race in three from fairly early on in the course, featuring Mika Tervala of Finland, Alain Berger of Switzerland, and Australia’s Adrian Jackson. They were never separated by much more than a minute. Tervala often had the edge, but his loss of 44 sec to Berger at 12 was crucial, setting up the race-winning break. As Berger said after his win, “Today was perfect”. Berger had already become the first orienteer to win World Championship medals in both foot and mountain bike events with a MTB-O bronze in 2002 (following his foot-O bronze in 1999, as well several relay medals), but this time it was a gold. Jackson never quite got to the front, but his bronze was the highlight of the first day for the Aussies. The good news for Australia did not stop there, with Belinda Allison and Tom Walter both making the top six after consistent races, and three other women making the top 20, Mary Fien finishing 13th, Julie Quinn 14th and Anna Sheldon 19th.
WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS MIDDLE-DISTANCE
Adrian takes Gold; Belinda Allison collects Silver A golden day for Australian riders on Old Quartz Hill, Castlemaine, the day when Australian Orienteering history was made. Riding in midfield, Adrian Jackson flashed around the course to post a time of 51:47 – for a while some six minutes ahead of second place. Later riders whittled away at his mark but could not better it. Closest was Switzerland’s Alain Berger, the Long-distance Champion, but even he fell short by 46 seconds.
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Sensational silver
After the long legs, big hills and big route choices of the Longdistance, the Middle-distance was more technical (both in a riding and navigational sense) with many small tracks. Jackson set up his win in the early stages, establishing a gap by 3 that was never closed. Alain Berger might have been the one to close it, but an early crash put a severe dent in his chances, breaking his mapboard. He had to ride much of the race with his map in his left hand (which is harder than it sounds), and in the circumstances taking silver, after being outside the placings for the most of the course, was an outstanding effort. Russian Victor Korchagin, who had impressed in the Long-distance qualifying but made no impression in the final, completed the placings. In the women’s event, Belinda Allison, also riding in mid-field, posted a leading time of 53:22 which held up for all of 40 minutes. French champion, Laure Coupat, could do no better than match it and for a while she shared best time with Belinda. It seemed the title would be shared until Austria’s Michaela Gigon came thundering down the finish straight. Michaela had been missed by both radio controls and the crowd was not expecting her. She had a storming finish after a solid start, riding the second half of the course faster than anyone else to take gold by just 14 sec in 53:08. Gigon joined Lucie Bohm as Austria’s only Orienteering gold medallists. She represents Austria but rides for a Czech club team where she has gained invaluable training and tough competition in recent years. Emily Viner again came close to medalling but had to settle for fourth place. Julie Quinn completed an excellent day for the Australians with a seventh, whilst any remaining men’s hopes were dashed when Alex Randall punctured and Tom Walter missed a control.
Anna Sheldon had some great rides through the champs including one of the fastest relay legs that got her team back into a medal position. Photo: Peter Cusworth
Belinda Allison in the finish chute for the Middle Distance event. With the look on her face, it seems she knew then that she had put in a fantastic ride that would earn her a silver medal. Photo: Bob Mouatt DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 25
WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
A “Le Mans” style start was used to get the relays underway. Photo: Peter Cusworth
RELAYS
Finns reign Supreme Finland dominated on relays day at Mosquito Flat, Maryborough, where they won both gold medals by comfortable margins. The Finns, the only Scandinavian country with any significant presence at the event, were more at home in the flatter terrain and led almost from the start. The small women’s field of 12 teams didn’t really sort itself out on the first leg, with nine of those teams within three minutes of the pace. The Finns had opened out a small lead through Maija Lång, but prerace favourite Australia was still well and truly in touch, Emily Viner getting back to within 47 seconds of the lead. At the time no-one really noticed that Mary Fien had taken Australia No2 to second. Kirsi Korhonen took control on the second leg. Magali Coupat of France and Sonja Zinkl of Austria threw out challenges in the first half of the course, but both lost significant time at 9 and looked to have blown their chances. It was on this leg that the hopes for gold of the Australian No1 team vanished. Julie Quinn lost 7 min with a puncture at 8. The Czechs managed to avoid mishaps, and came back as the only potential challengers to the Finns, two minutes in arrears. The two Australian teams were still in the fight for medals, being amongst four teams within two minutes, but with a five-minute gap to the Czechs anything more than bronze looked beyond them. For the first half of the last leg it seemed that Marketa Jakoubova would threaten Päivi Tommola, twice closing to within a minute but never quite able to catch her. Her challenge ended definitely on 8. Jakoubova lost eleven minutes there, dropping from 2nd to 7th (she was inconsolable afterwards). The Finns were now certain gold medallists and the next group was fighting for silver. Anna Sheldon, riding the race of her life, was a clear second as the Australian No2 team upstaged the No1 team (gear problems ended any chance Belinda Allison had of challenging), but Michaela Gigon was finishing just as well for the Austrians as she had the day before. She caught Sheldon by the final radio control and was too strong in the end. Anna thought she only had 4th place and screamed with delight on realising her team had won a 26 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
medal. A cry of “bronze bloody medal!!” came from the team as they hugged each other and danced around. In the men’s relay the Finns led after the first leg too, but it was their No2 team, just ahead of the Russians, with pre-race favourites Switzerland and Finland No1 dicing for third a minute behind that. Another pre-race fancy, the Czech Republic, looked like they might have blown all chances when Radek Tichacek lost five minutes at the third control, while Alex Randall came in three minutes down after losing some time (and his compass) early. At the second change it was now Finland No1 and Russia, Jussi Mäkila having his best ride of the week to take the lead. They were separated by only seven seconds into the last leg. The Czech No2 team were 2 min behind in third but no-one really expected them to hold it – less than two minutes behind them were the two individual gold medallists, Adrian Jackson and Alain Berger, after solid legs from Tom Walter and Simon Seger respectively, and three other teams were also within sight of bronze. The last-leg battle for the lead was over almost before it began – Maxim Zhurkin lost five minutes at the second control and was never in contention after that. Mika Tervala brought the Finns home to a comfortable four-minute victory, but the real action was for the minor placings. Alain Berger disappeared from the picture after a puncture at 7. That left an identical situation to the women’s race – Australia in a clear second place with half a course to go. Once again, though, someone behind was charging – this time Lubomir Tomecek for the Czechs. Jackson lost a critical minute at the second-last control, but still led – just – as the pair reached the last control. He overbraked there, turning a ten-metre lead into a ten-metre deficit, and in the sprint for the line Tomecek just managed to hold on for silver ahead of a desperation finish by Jackson. In winning both Relays, Finland took the honours overall with two gold and two silver medals. Australia was next best with one gold, one silver and three bronze, by far its best ever Orienteering World Championships. Five nations won gold medals and eight (one third of those competing) won at least one medal of any colour. Finland confortably won both relays. Their women hold their names, but the men are Jussi Mäkila, Mika Tervala and Timo Sarkkinen.
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WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
A Dream Come True!
Blake Gordon
Blake Gordon – Event Director Back in early 2000 I had a dream about a mythical world mountainbike Orienteering event in Australia. It had all the hallmarks of reality. Silent start areas, colourful bunting, exciting finish chutes lined with spectators, “tent cities” near the finish on school ovals and recreation reserves. Results up on the board as the riders crossed the line, and as a final bonus, great excitement with Australians on the medal podium! Well the 2004 MTB-O World Championships has come and gone – and my dream turned to reality in October 2004! I would like to list several aspects of the organisation that I think should be noted. • T he mapping program was managed by two young men - a 27-year old (Reuben Smith) and 18-year old (Andrew Slattery). In less than a year of part-time work (after a visit from Event Advisors in late 2003), five maps were updated and five new maps were made. • T he volunteer crew (under Dick Barker’s direction) that ran the event did so in their holidays/or retirement. •A week-long training camp (managed by my wife) was organised with four maps harmonised to ISOM standards. The Victorian Longdistance Championships, in terrain similar to the Qualifying and Long-distance WOC final, was a great warm-up event with record attendances. • T wo course setters (Derek Morris and Keith Wade) worked tirelessly through the 2004 winter months to produce challenging courses. Lindsay Thomas translated their efforts into many draft maps /draft courses that he sent to the Event Advisors via email for comment.
Some of key people that helped make the World Championships such a success: Blake Gordon (Event Director), Derek Morris (Course setter), Keith Wade (Course setter) and Dick Barker (Infrastructure supremo). orienteering. The logo (Peter Cusworth’s design) helped to unify and advertise the event. • T he SportIdent system and timing-on-the-line SI technology (managed by Ian Chennell, Terry Haebich, Bruce Paterson) worked without any failures and provided feedback to competitors. • T he result board (linked by computer to the finish line) produced results within less than a minute on the colourful result display near the finish banner. Special thanks to Pam and Peter Prime, Peter Searle and their motivated team for the best results ever in the field. •B est performance by an Australian Orienteering team – 1 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronzes (two in relays) – in the 35 year-old history of Orienteering in Australia – was a terrific bonus.
• T he Event Advisors (Tibor Erdelyi and Dave Lotty) checked many aspect of mapping and course-setting, made relevant changes, and printed digital maps one-week before the events.
A few moments which are etched in my memory…
• I nitial positive signs that the event would attract state government (Sport and Recreation) funding proved false. The event did attract just over $6000 in Events Ballarat and Tourism Victoria funding which help feed the athletes and advertise the event locally and internationally.
• T he “just in the nick of time” dash by the station wagon to the start triangle at Daylesford.
• T he best weather of the Australian spring – a week of sunshine in mid-October – was a perfect compliment to the infrastructure at the venues. •A steep learning curve experienced by Mark Valentine in transporting competitors (and their bikes) to and from venues, dinners, tourist visits, and the Melbourne airport. • T he venues – from a bushland setting at Creswick, to the open Daylesford paddock, and sports ovals at Castlemaine and Maryborough – made for exciting places to showcase mountain-bike
P R O F I L E – Belinda Allison
• T he “look of gold” on Adrian Jackson’s face as he neared the finish line at Castlemaine.
• S creams of joy at the finish of Anna Sheldon’s (with Carolyn Jackson and Mary Fien) third-leg in the women’s relay. •W hen the New Zealand team “took to the stage” at the final banquet. • T he laughs of the internationals when Sandra had to “verify” their final night entry to the pub. •A nd the “silver” smile on Belinda Allison’s face from the moment she finished at Daylesford. It does not get much better than this! This might be the “Last Gasp” for World MTB-O 2004, but there’s sure to be something else soon.
Age: 31 Club: Red Roos, ACT.
Occupation: Manager, Australian Natural Resources Atlas, Dept. of Environment & Heritage. First orienteered: A long time ago when I was very young. Training for WMTB-O: Interval work both on the bike and in the gym. Hill reps; power sprints; weights, etc. and rode events on weekends – both orienteering and cross-country racing. I was helped a lot by the cycling coach at ACTAS on mental preparation and nutritional aids. I was taught to concentrate on all the little things so there would be no surprises on race day. Hobbies: No time for other things at present but I do like handicrafts and house renovation. Next: Take a mental break. I’ll decide whether to aim at Slovakia early next year. In the meantime I’ll compete in mountain bike races during summer and also some foot-O events, though it’s difficult to train for both. Achievements: 2004 World MTB-O Women’s Championship – silver medal in Middle-distance. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 27
Adrian Jackson – Middle-Distance Gold medal
Belinda Allison – Middle-Distance Silver medal Adrian Jackson – Long-Distance Bronze medal
Photos from United Photography United@UnitedPhotography.com 0433 181 474
Men’s Relay Bronze medal Alex Randall, Tom Walter, Adrian Jackson
Women’s Relay Bronze medal Mary Fien, Carolyn Jackson, Anna Sheldon
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WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
Interview - Emily Viner
Emily qualified fastest for the LongDistance Final. Photo: Bob Mouatt
(after Long-distance Qualification race) ? When you got your map at the start and saw the first leg was about five kilometres long, what was your immediate reaction? (Riders receive the map 60 seconds before their start time).
Emily: I started looking at the route choices but I knew I had to get my map onto my mapboard with all the possible route choices showing on it. That was a tricky task in itself. Once I’d done that, I knew where I wanted to approach the control from and which track I wanted to come in on - that decided my route choice back and I could start to work with the map. I was looking at the route choice a lot while I was riding, thinking: Is this the right way? Am I still on the right track? Should I alter my course?
?
Did you pedal off straightaway? How long did you spend?
Emily: From the meeting last night I knew the map was bigger than A3. I decided it was better to spend longer folding the map and making sure I had it right even if it meant I was slower out of the start triangle. I think I folded it and got it quite right.
?
One of the German girls I was talking to about that leg described it in just one word, “Langweilig” (boring).
Emily: I don’t think it was boring. I haven’t found anyone who took the same route choice as me. I think there were lots of route possibilities and lots of possibilities for coming unstuck.
If you’re in it, you can WIN All you have to do is take part, and you are automatically in the draw to win: All Australian registered orienteers who take part in three or more official MTB-O events in Australia June 2004 – Queens Birthday weekend, June 2005. KHS MBC 1500 Technical Features: Light weight 7005 Alloy frame, Shimano XT 27 speed, Hayes hydraulic disc brakes, Rockshox Judy SL travel adjustable suspension forks, double strength alloy wheels, all alloy components.
This is a MTB-O dream bike. It features the most powerful and low maintenance disc brakes available from Hayes, the premier brake supply brand. A must for those last minute navigation changes of direction. The latest Shimano XT 27 speed gear offerings with full Shimano drivetrain with sealed bearings for long wear. To improve the bike’s handling it is now equipped with the latest Rockshox suspension forks. One major bonus feature of the shockers is the "on the fly" ability to adjust the amount of travel available from 80 mm to 100 mm at the turn of a dial. Brilliant for changing event conditions, from open or fire-road blasting to skilful single track control. Top to bottom this bike is oozing with quality alloy parts and the attention to the little details is of particularly high standard. The model is a special edition designed by Warren Key at Melbourne Bicycle Centre in conjunction with KHS USA for cross country racing and, of course, MTB Orienteering.
MELBOURNE CENTRE
see MBC catalogue
Special offer to orienteers, just $1000
RRP $
1799
including free freight to anywhere in Australia GEN UIN ELY L IMITED AVAIL ABIL ITY
All Australian registered orienteers M/W19 or older in 2005 who take part in both the Australian Individual Championships 2004 and in the Australian (Easter) Three Days 2005.
PLUS
Map Board RRP $139
4 back packs 5NL Turbo compass Competition baseplate model with quick needle dampening. Hand contoured baseplate with sure-grip rubber feet. Front end map scales, !:10000 and 1:15000. Valued at $68.
22 litre, padded harness, padded back, adjustable waist belt. Zippered opening, front pocket.
Promotion rules – 1. The promotion starts 1 June 2004 and runs until and including Queens Birthday Weekend 2005. 2. Prizes are as described on page 7 of The Australian Orienteer, June 2004. They must be taken as offered and are not exchangeable for cash. No person may win more than one prize. 3. The draw for prizes will be conducted by Orienteering Australia. Winners will be notified and names will be published in The Australian Orienteer, September 2005. 4. Eligibility for prizes is: mountain bike and MTB-O map board– all registered orienteers who take part in three or more official MTB-O events in the promotion period. Other prizes – all registered orienteers M/W19 or older in 2005 who take part in both the Australian Individual Championships 2004 and in the Australian (Easter) Three Days 2005.
30 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
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WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
Map reduced to fit on page.
P R O F I L E – Michaela Gigon (Austria) Age: 27 Club: rides for a Czech club; lives in Vienna, Austria. Occupation: Currently works on contract with the Austrian Army as a mountain bike rider. Her contract expires in November. She is hoping that her gold medal will help her gain an extension of her contract. First orienteered: Started Orienteering in 1990. Achievements: 2004 World MTB-O Women’s Champion in Middle-distance; silver medal in Women’s Relay. Alain Berger from Switzerland winning the LongDistance Gold medal. He also won silver in the Middle-Distance. Photo: Peter Cusworth
In 2000 she developed a severe ankle problem and was advised to give up running and to stop Orienteering. She then switched to mountain bike Orienteering. She crashed during her winning ride, but it did not have much impact on her. She started the race slowly and safely, in terms of navigation, and relied on not making a mistake to ensure a fast time. Other achievements: Represented Austria at JWOC in 1996 and 1997 and at WOC in 1997 & 1999. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 31
Men’s Middle-Distance World MTB-O Championship map, Castlemaine
Note: Map has been reduced in scale to fit on this page.
P R O F I L E – Adrian Jackson Age: 21 Club: Melbourne Forest Racers, Victoria. Occupation: 3rd year Aerospace Engineering student at Monash University. First orienteered: When I was 10 or 11 years old my parents took me on foot-O courses. Training for WMTB-O: A lot of interval work on the bike – three or four sessions each week. At least one long (2-hour) ride and also cross country mountain bike racing in “Expert Class”.
Mother and son celebrate bronze medal wins in the World MTB-O Relay Championships. Carolyn (47) and Adrian Jackson (21) were both in the Australian relay teams which won bronze in the men's and women's events. This must be the first time that two generations of one family have competed in the same national team at any world Orienteering championship – and they both won medals as well. Another unique double was that Carolyn is the only person to compete at both World Orienteering Championships held in Australia. She was also a member of the Australian Foot-O team for the Worlds at Bendigo in 1985. 32 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Hobbies: No time for other things besides study and training. I intend to concentrate on MTB-O for a while but I’d also like to represent Australia in foot-O some time in the future. Unfortunately it’s impossible to combine training for the two disciplines so MTB-O will come first for a while. Next: More mountain bike races during the summer. I’ll also go to the Australian 3-Days foot-O next Easter. After that I want to concentrate on making the Australian team for the WMTB-O Championships in Slovakia next September. Achievements: 2004 World MTB-O Men’s Champion in Middledistance; bronze medals in Long-distance and in the Men’s Relay.
WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
Medal winning thoughts Adrian Jackson - Long: I was unsure of how I would go over the distance, so I just went fast! Made bad choices on the first legs on both maps, each costing almost a minute. Also lost 30 sec getting into the last control, easily the difference to silver. The bronze was totally unexpected; I thought I had a better chance in the Middle-distance, so a medal in the Long was absolutely amazing.
Relay: Our team members were all quite calm before the race, knowing we would have to have three mistake-free rides to get into the medals. After Tom had an awesome ride to come back in 4th position, I knew it would be close at the finish. I kept seeing the pack behind me going out of controls. I made a couple of mistakes, losing about a minute through the middle part of the course. Nearing the second last I turned down the wrong track for a few seconds, and by the time I got back to the control the Czech guy was on my wheel. He just trailed behind, and after my poor punch at the last control it was all over. I had nothing in the sprint for the line, but in retrospect, bronze was a pretty good outcome.
Belinda Allison – Long: I was very excited to be starting the Long-distance final but also really nervous! I was glad that I had been training my navigation 'processes' and I really focussed on navigating well to the first few controls. I took a conservative route to control 2. Although this cost me some time, I felt much more confident after that and was able to relax into the course more and really push the speed.
all the hills, and I was so happy to get a silver medal! It was pretty nerve-wracking waiting at the finish, as I'd had quite an early start, but it was also exciting. I couldn't stop smiling! (Ed: yes, we noticed.) I think one of the things that really helped me was that I was well prepared. After the Easter trials in Qld I wrote a list of things that I needed to sort out before WMTB-O. You may as well eliminate any likely problems to give it your best shot! I practiced changing my tyre and pumping the tube with CO2 canisters. I worked out what energy food to eat while riding (I can't eat the gels) and tried a few different things in long rides and races, then settled on flat coke. I made two gear lists and laminated them - one of what to take to an event and one for when I go to the start. I used these lists at all MTB-O events and training sessions, so it wouldn’t be a "big deal" at more important events.
Carolyn Jackson - For me, an incredible roller-coaster of emotional highs and lows. Absolutely shattered that I got sick - but then Adrian’s and the teams’ success made it seem not to matter. As a mum, the pride I felt at what Adrian achieved is hard to describe - it was huge! (Ed: Carolyn was spotted at the medal ceremony, thumbs in the air, going “YES!”.) I felt I navigated incredibly well in the Long and Middle-distance races considering how I felt, but I was also very angry at my mistake in the Relay - I felt at the time it cost us silver... I suppose I should be pleased that I made it round. Of course I was absolutely dumbfounded, but delighted to win the bronze medal, but I also felt incredibly sorry for the girls No1 team.
Middle: after the Long I knew I had a chance at another medal - no mistakes was the key. My race was basically perfect, I was reading ahead well, picking good routes, felt strong and was riding on the edge of my ability. The whole way down the finish chute I couldn't hear anything Blair (Trewin) was saying, but as soon as I stopped and heard my time I couldn't stop grinning. I knew the later starters were going to go very close to my time, and I was most worried about Alain Berger and Mika Tervala. I was just lucky Alain hit my strategically placed stick which then broke his map board, as he would have almost certainly beaten me.
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I got quite tired towards the end and it was very hilly, but I just kept on going hard, telling myself “it's only pain, it will go away soon,” in an attempt to make myself feel better. I could see the Finnish girl who started behind me a few times as I was leaving controls, and decided to try and get to the finish before she did. While I was disappointed to see her, I kept thinking that I just had to keep going as she might end up winning or something. Turned out she was the 2002 World Champion and did come 2nd today! So the moral of the story is just keep going!
I also spent a fair bit of time on the mental side of things, and husband Jase (Jason McCrae) helped out here. I looked at courses at least once a week from about June, and practiced my thought processes. I included a few courses with spectator controls in them too. Of course I trained hard too, but I really think that it was a lot of those smaller things that made the difference to me. Even though I was really nervous, I knew I had prepared as well as I could. The two podium places were just an awesome bonus after achieving my goal to race to the best of my ability.
I didn't know really what to expect on the result board, I just wanted to have the best ride I could. I did that, and getting 6th was just so excellent! I was so happy, and felt quite teary going up on the podium. It was something I had dreamed of since doing foot Orienteering, and seeing Annichen Kringstadt win WOC in 1985 at Kooyoora. Middle: my favourite race is the Middle-distance, so I was really hoping to do well. I didn't dare think after the classic that I could get a medal, but again just tried to focus on my own race. I had a great ride, navigating well, and felt strong on
Tom Walter finishing the LongDistance event in 6th place. Photos: United Photography DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 33
WORLD MTB-O CHAMPS
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How they prepared Kay Haarsma – Australian MTB-O Team Coach I’ve been to a few World Championships in my time. This time I was really confident we would get medals and it actually happened! And Adrian Jackson even got that coveted initial WOC “gold” medal. How exciting was it to see both our teams score bronze medals in the relay, and it could have been better with a few less than 5 punctures! But was I satisfied – mightily. Couldn’t stop smiling for a week. As Coach, I had great riders, navigators and people to work with, and they enjoyed their job! Many factors contributed to the team success. Emily’s 2nd place at the Worlds in 2002 and Alex’s 2nd at the World Cup gave our riders the confidence that we could race at the pointy end of the competition. Standards in a new sport will always rise initially but we felt that we had improved too. The Queensland trial at Easter saw a number of new potential squad members come to the fore putting more pressure on our highly ranked riders. The final trials in Bendigo were well timed (just 5 weeks before the Champs). Everyone was eager to make the team for a “home” World Champs, had trained hard, and therefore we had great depth. All riders had groups or training partners to provide support and encouragement. Many had individual coaches (athletics, triathlon, cycling or foot o) who were happy to take on training suggestions from me or their riders and make modified programs. The team was a happy one and supported each other well. This was a big factor.
Kay Haarsma with Australia’s individual medallists, Adrian Jackson (Gold and Bronze) and Belinda Allison (Silver).
The Australian team leads the procession to the Opening Ceremony in Victoria Park, Ballarat. Photo: Bob Mouatt Physically we maintained health and fitness throughout the week of racing by: providing bananas and electrolyte drinks at the finish line; warming down considerably; providing massages as desired; wearing “sport skins” after the event for recovery purposes. Wind trainers were used for warm-up and cool down as much as possible. We had a team mechanic (Fred Ledger from NSW) to work on the bikes each day. These are some of the important 1% er’s that help. Team management put the rider needs first, were consistent and efficient, so there were no surprises. I always went to the pre-start to provide a familiar face and carried a set of all equipment (compass, water bottle SI attacher, etc ..) for emergencies. On race days I tried to shield riders from extraneous news. Andrew Rowe (manager) and Paul Darvodelsky (assistant coach) were the welcome home party, either at the finish, or in the “corral”, the roped off area where the early riders waited until all had started. My main concerns were: the relative lack of races in Australia, and the fact that we had little experience in racing head to head against unknown and very capable riders.
Due to some great sponsorship the team both looked and felt good. Many thanks to: Netti (riding clothes); Macpac (rockover” pants and “interwool” tees); Skins (recovery tights); Silva (mapboards and compasses); PSD (water bottles); and Hammergels (energy gels). I urged the team to only ride as fast as they could navigate, because errors in MTB-O are paid for very dearly. You must backtrack rather than cut through the forest on an angle, as in foot-O. In the Champs, as each day went by the areas got increasingly technical so riders had to use more caution. Psychologically our success of four on the podium in the Long-distance event inspired the rest of the team.
34 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Kay at the Long-Distance Final Pre-start with Emily Viner. Photo: Ian Baker
HIGH PERFORMANCE
Mike Dowling, OA Director, High Performance As I sit writing this column the final World Championships event of interest to Australia in 2004, being the MTBO WOC in Ballarat, is on the verge of happening. Having just checked the start lists for the long distance qualification it brings to me that sense of anticipation which will be building within the Australian MTB-O community and in particular in our MTB-O team. Congratulations again to all our Aussie athletes who represented us in the second only World Orienteering Championships on Australian soil. Nineteen years is a long time between drinks from the 1985 World Championships in foot Orienteering. With the prospect of the 2007 Junior World Orienteering Championships in Dubbo rapidly creeping upon us we are being somewhat spoilt in hosting two World Championships in three years.
MTBO Team Selection Many in the wider Orienteering community may not be aware that the selection of the MTB-O team for the World Championships brought Orienteering into the contemporary world of sport with Tom Walter (ACT) lodging an appeal against his non-selection in the team. This took Orienteering Australia into uncharted territory as we had no formal procedures in place to hear such an appeal. Using the guidance of our constitution and the AOC guidelines along with suggestions from the Australian Sports Commission and ACT Academy of Sport, our Manager-High Performance put together a formalised process to hear the appeal. An appeal panel was constituted consisting of Terry Murphy (NSW) as Chair, Bob McCreddin (WA) as OA Board representative and Cath Chalmers (WA), to hear the appeal. The panel found there were grounds for the appeal to be upheld and communicated this to the Board of Orienteering Australia. As a consequence the MTB-O Selection Panel had a fresh look at the team selection process resulting in Tom Walter being placed in the team and Paul Darvodelsky (NSW) being omitted. Under the adopted guidelines Paul had the right to appeal to the Court of Arbitration in Sport, as does any athlete in such circumstances. However, Paul graciously accepted the final decision of the selection outcome. As a consequence of this process Orienteering Australia is reviewing its disputes procedures and expects a revised set of procedures to be put in place following the National Conference in December.
A New Identity For Our Foot WOC Team Last issue I flagged the adoption of an identity for our national teams. It is with pleasure I can communicate that our foot WOC team will now be known as the “Boomerangs”. In conjunction with the “Bushrangers”, our second tier senior foot Orienteering team, two of our four national teams now have “identities”. All that remains is an identity for our JWOC and MTBO teams. So come on folks get those creative thinking caps on. I’m just an email away at mdowling@ tassie.net.au with your ideas.
World Foot O Championships in Sweden Review A big thank you to all our athletes on our national team this year for their efforts in Sweden in what was, from reports, typically challenging Swedish orienteering. In addition, many thanks to the team of Christine Brown, Jim Russell, Brett Weihart and Warren Lowry for their work with the athletes during the World Championships. It is important for us all to acknowledge the important supportive role the coaching/management team play in helping our athletes perform to the best of their ability at a World Championships.
What of our performances? One highlight has to be the performance of junior Hanny Allston in her first senior World Championship with a great relay run and very creditable performances in the finals of the Sprint & Long races. The benchmark performances (top 16) of Tom Quayle in the Long-distance and Troy de Haas in the Sprint-distance and the very near misses of Grant Bluett and Tash Key in the Middledistance were other highlights along with Grant being a lead qualifier in the Sprint-distance. In addition, we had nearly all our athletes qualify for finals which does indicate a broad improvement in our overall competitiveness. The 2005 coaching team along with the High Performance Management Group must now work hard in partnership with our athletes to help them build on the gains of recent World Championships for Japan next year.
Revised National League Guidelines Thanks to great work of OA Technical Director Andy Hogg we are in the process of concluding a revision of the National League guidelines. As I alluded to in the last issue, the goal here is to address issues that have arisen as we moved decisively forward in developing our major national elite competition program in foot orienteering. Our National League is a delicate balancing act in trying to bring together a comprehensive program that maximize access to high quality competition for as many of our junior and senior athletes as possible with the need to ensure equity across all our constituent associations. It will be an ongoing challenge but one that we can all work together in attempting to achieve the right balance.
OAWA Lead The Way The Orienteering Association of Western Australia set a new standard in the quality of their submission to host a round of the 2005 National League. They are to be congratulated on their efforts and it is intended the High Performance Management Group of Orienteering Australia will use their submission as model for future National League applications. It is sincerely hoped that as many of our elites support the WA National League round in early May next year as possible. It should be a great last hit out prior to the final WOC 2005 selection trials in late May next year.
2005 And Beyond Already next year is shaping up to be a busy year. In addition to our National Leagues and World Championship programs we have the World Games in July in Germany where we have qualified two athletes. Further development of our High Performance policy direction will be undertaken with the end of our current strategic plan for our High Performance programs and the commencement of the next four-year plan. Have any ideas about the future direction of our High Performance orienteering? The High Performance Management Group always welcomes your input.
OR I ENTEER I N G PUB LI CATI ONS IOF Publications
Australian Publications
International Specifications for Orienteering Maps . . . . . . . . . . $11.00 Competition rules for IOF events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11.00 Control Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . $11.00 Simple Maps for Orienteering . . . . $11.00 Trail Orienteering (BOF book) . . . . . $30.00 Trail Orienteering (booklet). . . . . . . . $8.25 Trail O (leaflet) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $0.70
Elementary Orienteering Instructors Manual. . . . . . . . . . . . . $13.20 Level 1 Coaching Manual. . . . . . . . $22.00 Level 1 Coaching Syllabus . . . . . . . . $3.90 Level 2 Coaching Syllabus . . . . . . . . $4.40 Level 3 Coaching Syllabus . . . . . . . . $4.40 Among the Best Orienteers (video).$19.75 Sponsorship & Advertising, 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . available from states Club Guide, available on disc.
Prices include GST and postage within Australia for single copies. Prices for bulk orders available on request. Orders should be addressed to Orienteering Australia, PO Box 740, Glebe, NSW 2037, with cheques made payable to Orienteering Australia. Email: orienteering@dsr.nsw.gov.au DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 35
HIGH PERFORMANCE
2005 National Senior Squad & High Performance Group Ian Prosser, AO Chair of Senior Selectors
National Senior Squad Bruce Arthur
Grant Bluett
David Brickhill-Jones
Julian Dent
Allison Jones
Craig Dufty
Troy de Haas
Natasha Key
Orla Murray
Eric Morris
Rob Preston
Anna Sheldon
Nicki Taws
Tom Quayle
Dave Shepherd
Cassie Trewin
Danielle Winslow
Reuben Smith
Rob Walter
The purpose of the National Senior Squad is two-fold: to give formal recognition to excellent results over the last year by naming the top twenty or so orienteers; and to name those with the best potential for international representation next year, as a focus for coaching, training and other support. Competitive form does not change that fast so the two criteria largely apply to the same athletes. There are a few who meet only one of the criteria, but do so with distinction. The role of the squad for coaching, etc is not as strong as it used to be but we would like to see that component retained and reinforced.
The selectors have announced the following squad for 2005. Additional members may be added during 2005 if they rise to the same standard and level of commitment to the sport during the year. Athletes will not be removed from the squad until it is reviewed again at the end of next year, unless they voluntarily retire from active competition.
Tracey Bluett
Susanne Casanova
Clare Hawthorne
Congratulations to all the selected squad members. You all deserve this formal recognition at a time of increasing depth and tough competition in Australian elite orienteering. Please note that Nicki Taws was not involved in the discussion to include her in the squad. The 2005 squad is:
Jo Allison
Hanny Allston
Women: Jo Allison, Hanny Allston, Tracey Bluett, Susanne Casanova, Clare Hawthorne, Allison Jones, Natasha Key, Orla Murray, Anna Sheldon, Nicki Taws, Cassie Trewin, Danielle Winslow. Men: Bruce Arthur, Grant Bluett, David Brickhill-Jones, Julian Dent, Craig Dufty, Troy de Haas, Eric Morris, Rob Preston, Tom Quayle, Dave Shepherd, Reuben Smith, Rob Walter.
High Performance Group (HPG) The purpose of the HPG is to select the most outstanding prospects for the World Championships team for the next year. The aim is to provide them with financial and other support to help them reach their potential at WOC. The guiding principle is to pick those with genuine or proven ability to achieve top 16 results at WOC. Given our very limited resources, we also aim to select typically six or fewer athletes to ensure that the funding is not diluted so much as to be of little practical value to each athlete. We may add to the HPG during 2005 if additional athletes show the same potential as those already in the group. Given the focus on performance at WOC, and the limited places available, we also expect any athlete in the HPG who is not aiming for WOC, or who is injured, to voluntarily withdraw from the HPG. The selectors may also remove anyone from the HPG who does not actively embrace the opportunities for WOC preparation that membership offers. Selection of the WOC team is independent of the HPG. Membership of the HPG does not guarantee selection in the WOC team, and members still have to prove their worth through the WOC selection process next year. Similarly, omission from the HPG at this stage should not be taken to indicate that an athlete has little chance of gaining selection for WOC. We would love you to go out there in the selection trials next year and prove us and the history of results wrong. The High Performance Group for 2005 is: Women: Jo Allison, Hanny Allston, Natasha Key Men: Grant Bluett, Troy de Haas, Tom Quayle, Dave Shepherd Congratulations to all selected athletes.
36 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Tash Key during the sprint at the World Champs in Sweden. Photo: Erik Borg
AUSSIES OVERSEAS
12th World RadiO Orienteering (ARDF) Championships Bruce Paterson (VIC)
some trouble to try to make the events more spectator-friendly with the finish in the town on an athletics track. All competitors are quarantined at the start point to separate them from their receivers prior to the five transmitters being turned on. This minimises cheating, but can make for a long wait, especially if you're near the end of the start list. Luckily the weather was perfect. A 6th transmitter was located at the beginning of the finish chute to aid announcing and displays of competitors times on huge video screens at the finish. The finish chute was over 500m long and quite an exciting obstacle course involving a river ford and steep banks, and all on video feed (also with live web streaming).
I did reasonably well in this event only losing about 12 minutes from what would be for me an ideal course. I placed 33rd in M21 out of 58 starters with all 6 transmitters in 106 minutes. Still a far cry from the winning Czech time of 53 minutes by Karel Fucik, but a respectable 1st place in the Asia-Pacific region. Adam Scammell (VIC) ran faster, but chose an appalling transmitter order, so he did well to get all 6 in 113 minutes for 38th before the 140-minute sudden death time limit (if you’re late back you DNF). Bryan Ackerly (VIC) runs as our “team backup” in case one of us mucks up. He ensures he gets back on time even if he has to miss transmitters. Bryan placed 44th with all 6 transmitters in 136 minutes. Bryan Ackerly at the World ARDF championships
In early September, three Australian RadiO competitors braved the European summer to compete in the World ARDF championships, this year held near Brno, Czech Republic. Bruce Paterson, Adam Scammell and Bryan Ackerly took on the rest of the RadiO world and came back with two Sprint titles and some good performances in the longer events. Curse of the Seasons
The team result is calculated as the sum of the best 2 times, placing Australia 12th in M21, a mere 4 sec after Estonia.
The difference in seasons mandates a few days acclimatisation, and this we did spending eight days training in Hungary under the tutelage of Gyrui Nagi and family. Gyrui is currently a member of the US team, but formerly a World ARDF champion when competing for Hungary. It was a pretty intense week near the small town of Orfu in southern Hungary, with two training events each day - a full scale championship length ARDF event in the morning and a shorter skills event in the afternoon. The skills events covered fox-oring, orienteering and speed transmitter location.
Park Champions
Calm before the Storm
Adam and I entered in a fairly laid back fashion in T-shirts & shorts and were even planning on walking most of the course. At the start there were many competitors in O-gear busily warming up and looking serious! We felt we'd better run initially as it would be too embarrassing walking with all these people sprinting out hard. As it turned out we both ran most of our courses, except in my case I spent some frustrating minutes looking inside the castle walls when in fact my first transmitter was right out the other side.
Feeling a little more confident about the daunting World Champs, we had four days off to make our way to Brno. Toured around wonderful Budapest, including the Budapest Cup Orienteering championship, then to Brno, Czech Republic, to be met by Jiri and his wife, a Czech competitor I'd met previously in Germany and China. Jiri has played a major role in popularising the sport amongst juniors in Czech Republic, and that is now paying off with strong Open and Junior teams.
Games are Open The championships attracted 440 competitors from 28 nations. Add the trainers, leaders and officials and you have over 700 people attending. These all descended on a nearby square for the Opening, which featured a band with Didgeridoo (!) and a “Champions” public park race afterwards with previous World Champions competing. One was, of course, our friend Gyrui.
Destination Boskovice The HF (80 metre wavelength or 3.6MHz) event was held next day near a town to the north called Boskovice. The organisers went to
On the “rest” day a public showcase Park Sprint RadiO event was held around and in the grounds of Castle Spilberg, right in central Brno. We'd never done this form of radio sprint event before. It consisted of a number of transmitters all going at once, all on slightly different frequencies. Beforehand we'd put lots of marks on the tuning controls of our HF receivers so we'd know where to tune to hear each transmitter.
Well that was fun. Despite the SportIdent they didn't have any results up so eventually we DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 37
AUSSIES OVERSEAS Our team result was 10th out of 18 teams. What is really lacking is a decent sized Australian team. Over multiple age groups the chances of success are much higher, maybe even higher than in traditional bush Orienteering at the world level. If you know of someone who just might be interested in something a little bit different, but still very much Orienteering, then send them our way! Our events are shown on the OVic calender, our website and on the Victorian e-bulletin. Our website: http://www.ardf.org.au Maps and Full results/splits: http://www.darc.de/ardf/ contest/04090911/04090911.htm Official Championship Site: http://www.wch2004ardf.com/ Some more pictures: http://www.ardf.org.au/wc/photos.htm
Adam Scammell finished in the top 20 in the VHF competition. started back. Then strange things started to happen. Karel's wife congratulated Adam for doing so well, and then Stephan from Germany had heard Adam had beaten Martin Baier, previous World ARDF champion by a mere second. We had to wait till evening for the results, and the rumour turned out CZECH PARK OPEN to be true; Adam had won M21 at M40: 1 Paterson Bruce 16:57; 2 Stein Jens the Park Sprint. The other surprise 19:07; 3 Pietrzykowski Wla 19:08. was that I had won M40 also. Well M21: 1 Scammell Adam 13:57; 2 Baier Martin 13:58; 3 Vlcek Ondrej 14:27. that was something to write home about, so we did.
The Tablecloth This describes the size of the 1:15000 map for the VHF (2 metres or 145 Mhz) competition. It was larger than A3. As well as being a huge area, the map was bisected by two deep river ravines, one northsouth and the other east-west lower down the map. It was going to be challenging indeed, and it certainly lived up to it. Adam did much better on this event choosing a good transmitter order. His high speed on the hills brought him in under 121 minutes to just make it into the top-20. He was also 1st Asia-Pacific competitor. An excellent result. If only we could both do well in the same competition we might even get a top-5 team placing. My performance was acceptable, but fell apart right near the end when I just couldn't locate my last transmitter. Mark Besley (in Melbourne) tells how he was watching our progress live on the web there was live radio feed of splits from all controls. He was crushed when he “saw” me punch the finish beacon down a transmitter. I simply ran out of time and had to abandon that transmitter after 13 fruitless minutes. I made it to the finish a mere 54sec before the 140-minute time limit. The winning time was much longer for this event. Karel Fucik again won M21 with 78 minutes, which is doubly astounding because he chose a woeful transmitter order (see his interview on the official website below).
38 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Map for the Park Sprint RadiO event won by Adam Scammell.
Bruce Patterson in action at the World RadiO Orienteering Champs.
Map reduced by 80% to fit on page
Two Great Legs from the 2004 NSW Champs Map: Ganguddy Course setter: Robert Preston “Ganguddy” M21A Control 14 to 15
––––– –––––
Eric Morris (NSW) 11.55 2539m
“Ganguddy” M21A Control 9 to 10
––––– ––––– ––––– –––––
Oscar Booth (ACT) 3.16
280m
Bruce Arthur (VIC) 3.30
280m
Eric Morris (NSW) 4.23
310m
Warren Key (VIC) 7.40
300m
Julian Dent (NSW) 12.52 2035m
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 39
URBAN ORIENTEERING
Park & Street Orienteering around Australia – part 2 Debbie Dodd (VIC)
Last issue we compared Park & Street-O events in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia. This time we continue our round-Australia look at urban Orienteering, featuring Tasmania, Western Australia and Victoria. Tasmania: What they lack in population down south, they more than make up for in enthusiasm, with no less than six different Park & Street-O series operating across the State through the year. The Tassie summer season kicks off with the Southern Schools/Twilight Series - 6 events in October/November and another 6 in February/March. Venues are parks and reserves around Hobart, on Wednesdays. School competitors start between 4pm and 5pm, with separate starts for adults afterwards. The series is run by Orienteering Tasmania with organisers from the two southern clubs. Juniors are usually assigned to organise events under the guidance of a senior, to give them experience. The School series uses its own set of 20 lockable punch controls on chains for fence corners, park seats, etc. There are four traditional courses (4k, 3k, 2k & beginners). Up to 170 competitors take part (80% are school students), with some schools providing bus transport. “This is a huge increase on the 50 per event just three years ago, and the challenge now is to sustain the momentum”, said OT Director of Publicity & Promotion, Bert Elson. At the same time, the Northern Schools/Twilight Series is run by EVOC club in Launceston’s parks, featuring 5 events in October/November and 5 events in February/March usually offering 3 line courses and 2 scatter (i.e. all the controls you can get in 30 or 45 minutes). This series attracts about 50 participants each week. Both Schools series are advertised through the website, weekly e-mail bulletin and monthly printed newsletter. Schools are also advised of details. During school holidays, the Tassie Juniors run the 6-event Southern Summer Series in Hobart, on Wednesday evenings, with starts from 4pm to 6pm. Up to 50 participants compete on the four courses (4k, 3k, 2k & beginners). The Juniors keep the entry fees as a fundraising exercise. Most states face a major challenge in attracting 21-35 year olds. Tasmania has had great success with its popular Corporate Challenge, which now boasts 150 competitors per event. Two series operate over 40 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
consecutive weeks in March (Autumn series) and November (Spring series). There is only one course of about 3.5 km, starting very easy in week 1 and grading up to moderate in week 4. A 30-minute mass start score event rounds out each series, followed by a barbecue and presentations. Corporate teams of 3 run independently and times are added. A handicap scheme ensures that almost any team can win the series, but individual times go up on the board at each event so the runners can see how they’re going. Competition is held at lunchtime and after work on Thursdays. The series is promoted on the OT website, through e-mails to previous participants, and fliers to businesses. “Events are held mostly on streets and tracks on Hobart's Queens Domain. This year we’ll be trying some variations such as 2 courses (4k and 3k) and a new venue – Hobart’s Waterworks Reserve”, explained Bert. “We had a big increase over the first three years, but numbers are levelling out now”. Park & Street-O in Tasmania doesn’t stop there. The Southern Winter Park series is organised each year by Wellington Ranges Club. There are four events on successive Sundays in June/July in Hobart, which is lucky enough to have a number of bushy inner city reserves - the
URBAN ORIENTEERING events are true park orienteering with no street legs. Participants are mostly club orienteers and families but it also attracts newcomers. Maps are 1:5,000, and there are lots of controls and short legs, over a total distance of 2.5 to 3 km. This popular series is growing, with around 100 participants per event, and sounds like excellent practice for the Sprint Championships now held in each state! A similar Northern Winter Park series is run in Launceston by EVOC.
Western Australia: On the other side of the country, Western Australia has been running Park & Street events since 1990. They began in Bunbury as a way of providing fitness and a social atmosphere during the ‘non-bush’ season. The current Perth series, run by the Western Nomads (WA’s National League Team), consists of 12 events from November to February, held on Saturdays at 5pm. Bunbury hold 4-5 events each summer, on weekdays, organised by the local club. Events are scatter format, using plastic plates on lockable wire cables. There’s a choice of short, medium and long courses, with divisions for junior, senior & veteran men and women on each. The Perth events attract 100-120 competitors, and numbers have been slowly growing. The biggest participation is in the senior age group, and the Groups category is also popular. “Events often start in school grounds and in 2004/5 we will run an event for the school on the Wednesday before a Saturday event”, said OAWA Secretary Cath Chalmers. “Publicity for our events is via brochures in running shops, camping gear shops, public libraries and recreation centres. There have been short articles in local newspapers, event results in the main paper, and radio appearances when possible. On one occasion the Western Nomads were interviewed on the local community TV sports show”.
Victoria: Victoria can be considered the home of Park & Street-O – the first events were held in 1976 at Blackburn Lake (using a map produced by Mike Hubbert) and Beaumaris. In the 28 years since, the sport has gone ahead in leaps and bounds. Events are run all year, with four concurrent series across Melbourne on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday nights during daylight saving; and Tuesday & Wednesday nights, plus regular series on Saturday and Sunday during the rest of the year. In 2004 there was a total of 140 Park & Street events, and that figure will grow to around 160 in 2005. Events are held mainly in and around suburban Melbourne, but the format is growing in Ballarat and Wodonga as well. There are half a dozen Melbourne based clubs which all run events, as well as Eureka (Ballarat), AlburyWodonga and Central Highlands. The format is generally Scatter-O during daylight saving and Score-O for night events, though all Power Walker courses are score. “Some Sunday events such as SprintO and MicrO are line courses, and there's also the RadiO courses run in conjunction. This year will see the introduction of Victorian MicrO Championships and Relays, and a Sprint Championship”, said Mike Hubbert, Victoria’s Park & Street Coordinator. “Controls are usually metal plates chained to an object. MicrO events often use miniature flags. There is in development a low-cost system for electronic punching which will probably be trialled in the second quarter of 2005”, Mike continued. “There are 5 or 6 courses from 10k to 2-3k, with one being for Power Walkers. In summer the courses are
divided into age groups, but during the rest of the year a divisional grading system is used based on previous performances”. Mike has been tracking attendances over a number of years, and has found that participation is very much dependent upon region - during last summer, attendance at events in Melbourne's eastern suburbs averaged 140, western suburbs 80, and 100 in the northern suburbs. During the rest of the year, mid-week night events averaged 100. Three schools compete regularly during summer and cooperation with Leisure Action brings disabled competitors to selected events. Scouts groups occasionally attend when an event is in their area, and numbers can swell to almost 300. In any one week over summer there could be close to 600 competitors. Most participants are in the 35-60 age bracket with the majority being male. Female participation is stronger on the hugely popular Power Walker courses, and there is a significant number of juniors attending regularly. Overall, participation is growing quite rapidly. Power Walkers now account for about one-third of all participants. An 8-page printed colour Program is the primary vehicle for promotion. Programs are distributed widely to schools, gyms, libraries and sporting clubs. Information from the program is provided on the OVic and streetO web sites and is included in two weekly e-bulletins. Most new participants have found the events from the program on web sites. “Project funding from VicHealth provides for the employment of Project Officers to promote events in the western and northern suburbs”, said Mike. “VicHealth funding also allowed purchase of three freestanding Park & Street-O flags which improve the appearance of event sites and attract the attention of passersby”. As you can see, the formats may vary, but Urban Orienteering is providing a wonderful vehicle for fitness and fun to increasing numbers of Australians of all ages and abilities. Thanks to Bert Elson (Tas), Cath Chalmers (WA) and Mike Hubbert (Vic) for information provided. Left: Debbie Dodd is a keen participant in the Power Walking class at Melbourne Park and Street events. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 41
TOP EVENTS
SnowE2005 The 2005 Australian 3-Days at Jindabyne NSW
T
HE design concept for SnowE2005 will make it an exciting Orienteering experience with the emphasis on innovation. The light beam finish for the Prologue will be a first for a Sprintdistance event and it will be the first use of the Red Group starting procedure for a National League race. Days 1 to 3 will have large
The Jindabyne Sport & Recreation Centre screen displays, inside a marquee, showing the top 15 finishers in most classes, as well as progressive times for selected competitors still to finish. Class splits will be displayed at the Event Centre on Days Zero, 1 and 2. Class winners will be given maps and encouraged to draw their routes and display them at the Event Centre. Every endeavour will be made to display results on the web by 6.00 pm.
Days 2 and 3 will be in the forests west of Buckenderra Resort.
42 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
All the action on Day Zero will be centred on the athletic track at Jindabyne Sport & Recreation Centre, with four events, the Prologue, the Slologue, the Family & Open Medley Relays, and the Open Middle Distance Handicap Relay being staged there. After Day 1, which will be held at Glenbrook just north of Berridale, the final two days will be staged in the forests west of Buckenderra Resort (pictured left). Early starts on Day 3 will mean early departures for home.
TOP EVENTS 2005
2006
January 6-16 Oceania Carnival Auckland, New Zealand www.geocities.com/nwocnz
March 25-28
April 30-May 8 Southern 6 Day (in conjunction with World Cup), Surrey, UK www.wcup2005.org.uk
July 1-5 Pilsner MTB-O 5-Days Plzen, Czech Republic
July 8-10
July 11-16
orthern Territory Championships N Darwin, NT www.topend.nt.orienteering.asn.au JWOC 2005 Tenero, Switzerland www.asti-ticino.ch/jwoc2005
July 11-16 Swiss 5 Days Tenero, Switzerland
July 14-24 World Games (Orienteering 16 & 17 July), Duisberg, Germany http://www.worldgames-iwga.org/
July 17-22
July 26-28 Hallen 3-Days Hallen, Sweden
July 22-31
July 31-Aug 6 Scottish 6-Days Royal Deeside, Scotland scottish6days.com/2005/2005index.htm
July 31-Aug 7 Japan O Tour Aichi Prefecture, Japan
August 7-14 WOC 2005 Aichi Prefecture, Japan www.woc2005.jp/
Sept. 5-11 World MTB-O Championships Banska Bystrica, Slovakia www.orienteering.sk/mtbo2005
O-Ringen Smaland, Sweden www.oringen.com
WMOC 2005 Edmonton, Canada www.wmoc2005.com www.2005worldmasters.com/
Sept 24-Oct 2 Australian Championships Carnival Tasmania – Hobart to St. Helens Orienteering Tasmania
Give your event a
B O O S T !
Event advertisements in The Australian Orienteer go direct to the homes of registered orienteers in all states of Australia and give a widespread boost to perception of your event. The special advertising rates are modest and would be covered by just a few extra entries. Mike Hubbert, Editor and Advertising PO Box 165, Warrandyte, Victoria 3113 mikehubbert@ozemail.com.au Phone/fax (03) 9844 4878 44 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
April 14-17 Australian 3-Days Castlemaine, Victoria
May 7-14 European Championships Otepaa, Estonia www.orienteerumine.ee/EOC2006
July 1-7 WMOC 2006 Wiener Neustadt, Austria www.wmoc06.com/
July 2-7 JWOC 2006 Druskininkai, Lithuania
July 9-14 World MTB-O Championships Joensuu, Finland
July 15-22 Swiss O Week Zermatt, Switzerland www.sow2006zermatt.ch
July O-Ringen Halsingland, Sweden www.oringen.com
July 30-Aug 5 WOC 2006 and Danish WOC Tour 6-Days, Aarhus, Denmark www.woc2006.dk/
29 Sept-12 Oct Australian Championships Carnival York, Western Australia wa.orienteering.asn.au/ auschamps2006.html
nowE 2005 (Aust. 3-Days) S Jindabyne, NSW www.ozeaster2005.com
Australian Championships 2005 “Tassie East Coast Escape” Bert Elson, OT Director of Publicity and Promotion Planning is well underway for the 2005 Aus Champs carnival in Tasmania. The detail of the carnival will be provided in future editions of The Australian Orienteer and in brochures and on the website, but those thinking of attending may like to know the following: •D ates: the carnival commences on Saturday 24 September 2005 in Hobart and will finish in St Helens on Sunday 2 October. • E vent Centres: Hobart will be the centre for events from Saturday to Wednesday. From Thursday until its close the carnival will be based at St Helens on Tasmania’s east coast. As Wednesday’s event will be between Hobart and St Helens you may wish to travel on to St Helens on the Wednesday afternoon. • T ransport: it has never been easier or cheaper to get to Tasmania! Spirit of Tasmania 1 & 2 ply Bass Strait every night. Cars only cost $10 to bring to Tasmania. Alternatively fly to Tasmania and hire a car. With Virgin and Jetstar offering a wide range of discount fares as low as $65 from Melbourne! The Aus Champs 2005 section of Orienteering Tasmania’s website has plenty more information on getting to Tasmania. •A ccommodation: there are plenty of accommodation options for both Hobart and St Helens listed on the website or through links to other sites. So to find out more about the carnival go to the Orienteering Tasmania website at www.tasorienteering.asn.au and click on the Aus Champs 2005 icon. In addition we will be issuing regular Aus Champs 2005 e-mail bulletins. Send an e-mail to pub.oti@trump.net. au to get on the circulation list. See you in Tassie next year!
TOP EVENTS
Inaugural NT Championships Badge Event 8, 9 & 10 July 2005
L
OC CABAY is Top End Orienteers’ brand new map. On traditional Aboriginal land it’s a mixture of spur-gully and black soil plain, offering fast running through open woodland with little undergrowth. The area features spectacular stromatolite formations and rocky outcrops, BIG termite mounds, cool paperbark swamps (dry in July!), plenty of blue sky and warm sunshine. Don’t be surprised to see the odd bush pig or WW2 relic. The carnival is organised to showcase some of the best that the Top End has to offer, with plenty of time to explore further afield between events. Orienteers going to Europe for major events such as O-Ringen, the Scottish 6-Days or World Masters could readily call in to Darwin on their way. Get Ready Friday – ease into the tropics with a late afternoon warm-up event at Darwin’s East Point. Then take in a fabulous Darwin sunset with a cool drink or two and the odd sausage. Get Set Saturday – look around Darwin or drop into Litchfield National Park. That night roll out a swag and camp under million star skies. Swap tall tales with the locals around the campfire. GO!!!
Who will be the first NT Champ?
Some notes from Kevin Vigar, the mapper, are fascinating: “I expected it to be hot - it was, but not unbearably so. What I didn't expect was before I could start mapping the area I would have to bum it. Unseasonably prolonged rain during May had delayed the annual "burn off". Much of the country was still covered with waist-high grass concealing many of the features I wanted to map. The area will provide a fascinating event - the mixture of terrain types creating a variety of orienteering challenges. In itself, it’s interesting from a cultural, historical and geological perspective too. It’s close to Rum Jungle, one of the first places where uranium was mined in Australia and there are scratchings, pits, and mining lease marker pegs dotted about. Vegetation in the Top End is a whole new ball game! Open areas may be still grass covered, because they tend to be swampy and the grass hasn't dried enough to burn, or they may be covered with little hummocks where wild pigs have been uprooting grass to get at the roots. Either way, yellow may well mean slow. The rest of the area will be savannah - or open woodland, which after burning allows for fast running. Most watercourses are dry in the dry season. I found a couple that weren't and these are the only green areas on the map and are to be avoided. I decided to map only the "cathedral" variety of termite mounds those obviously over 2 metres. I read that they can be as high as 6m. but I only saw them up to about 3.5m. Even so, they are very significant features.”
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 45
46 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Winning Partnership The Australian Sports Commission is the Federal Government agency responsible for the funding and development of sport in Australia. Through its two main programs – the Australian Institute of Sport, and Sport Performance and Development – the Australian Sports Commission supports a wide range of initiatives designed to develop sporting excellence and increase participation in sport by all Australians. Orienteering Australia is one of 85 national sporting organisations that have formed a winning partnership with the Australian Sports Commission to develop their sports in Australia.
www.ausport.gov.au
T H E A U S T R A L I A N S P O R T S C O M M I S S I O N P R O U D LY S U P P O R T S O R I E N T E E R I N G A U S T R A L I A
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 47
TRAINING
Orienteering Fitness (Part 1) Steve Bird The numerical values presented in this article are general averages. Your own values will vary from these according to your body size, age, gender, fitness and personal metabolism.
T
amount of oxygen getting into the body and being used by the body. Resting heart rates are often in the region of 72 beats per minute, with each beat ejecting about 70ml of blood (a factor known as the stroke volume). This means that at rest, the heart will eject 72 x 70ml of blood a minute, approximately 5 litres. The amount of blood ejected each minute is known as the cardiac output. Of this cardiac output, only about 20% (1 litre) is directed towards the muscles with the remainder being sent to other organs of the body such as the brain and gut. Training causes an increase in the volume of the heart and a concomitant increase in its stoke volume. So in order to achieve the same cardiac output the heart has to beat less often. This is why fit people often have a much lower than average resting heart rate.
O perform well in any sport you need to have the required fitness, technical skills and mental attributes. All of these are vital and the exact requirements will differ between sports, making it necessary for you to apply sport specificity to your training. So whilst doing a varied mixture of activities will have some health and fitness benefits, if your main objective is to be fit for Orienteering you must focus your training to meet the specific demands of our sport. This series of articles will review some of the physical and fitness demands of Orienteering, with the aim of providing an insight into the physiological requirements of our sport and consequently how we should train for it. The series is written from the perspective of foot Orienteering, but the physiology and basic principles also apply to mountain bike Orienteering (MTB-O), for which the assessments and training would be undertaken on a bike rather than running.
When we exercise our muscles need more oxygen, with amount being proportional to the intensity of the exercise. So when walking steadily the demand for oxygen may be double that required at rest (~15 ml/ kg/min) and can be met by moderate increases in the rate and depth of breathing, and a moderate increase in heart rate, perhaps up to 90bpm. If we jog our muscles require oxygen at a faster rate (perhaps ~ 25 ml/kg/min) and breathing will increase more dramatically. In order to deliver the additional oxygen, heart rate may increase to 120 bpm and the stroke volume of the heart will increase, causing more blood to be ejected with each beat. A greater percentage of the cardiac output will be sent to the exercising muscles. This is achieved by the selective dilation of the blood vessels supplying the exercising muscles and a constriction of those supplying other organs such as the gut.
In order to target our training appropriately it helps to know what we are trying to achieve. The most obvious of these is being able to sustain a fast running speed, over variable terrain for prolonged periods of time. The key physiological and biomechanical attributes required to do this, are:
These changes are in proportion to the strenuousness of the exercise and as we try to run faster our VO2, heart rate and lung ventilation will all increase. Unfortunately these increases cannot go on indefinitely as there is a maximum rate at which our heart can beat and at which we can breath. This means there is a maximum rate at which oxygen can be delivered to the muscles. This is our VO2max. The good news is that our VO2max can be increased by appropriate training, thereby enabling us to sustain faster running speeds, but it will also decline if we stop training for more than a week or two.
1. A high capacity to utilize oxygen (VO2 max) 2. A n ability to run at relatively fast speeds without accumulating high concentrations of lactic acid in the muscles 3. A n ability to run fluently and economically over orienteering terrain. Other factors of acknowledged importance are muscle strength and flexibility, but these will not be discussed here in detail.
1. Maximum capacity to utilize oxygen (VO2-max) VO2 and VO2max The amount (volume) of oxygen we use each minute is our VO2 and the maximum amount that we are able to use each minute is our VO2max. Both are commonly expressed as the amount of oxygen being utilized, divided by the person’s body weight in kg. The values expressed in units of millilitres of oxygen / kg body weight / Our muscles require energy in order to function. We get this energy from the carbohydrates and fat rich foods we eat. Our digestive and biochemical pathways breakdown carbohydrate into glucose, which is then stored as glycogen in the muscles and liver. The fats contained within our food are stored at various sites around the body, including within the muscles and under the skin (subcutaneous). The stores of fats and glycogen contained within the muscles are then used to provide the muscles with energy. The liver glycogen and other fat stores are kept as reserves that can be used if the levels of glycogen and fat within the muscles become depleted. Oxygen is needed to release the energy contained within the fats and carbohydrates stored within the muscles. This oxygen is delivered to the muscles via blood that is sent around the body by the pumping action of the heart. At rest our muscles use relatively small amounts of energy, and consequently only require small amounts of oxygen, typically around 7 ml/kg/min. This is why we have relatively slow breathing and heart rates at rest. These may be in the region of 12 breaths per minute, each of about 0.5 litres of air, giving a ventilation of about 6 litres per minute. This is air going in and out of the lungs, not the actual 48 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Male international orienteers usually record VO2max values in excess of 70 ml/kg/min, while female international orienteers tend to have slightly lower values in the region of 60 - 70 ml/kg/min (the reasons for this will be left for another article). These high values will have been achieved through hard training and to some extent fortunate genetics, which have provided them with some natural predisposition towards a high VO2max and hence being a good endurance athlete. Average VO2max values for the general population are much lower, approximately 47 ml/kg/min for males and 40 ml/kg/min for females in the 21 - 34 age group. For active, but non-elite orienteers their VO2max values are likely to be somewhere between those of the general population and the elites. There is a slight decline in VO2max with age, due to a loss of cardiovascular function as part of the ageing process. This goes some way towards explaining why the fastest and fittest orienteers tend to be in the 21 - 34 age group. However, there is also some evidence to suggest that remaining active in sports (such as Orienteering) ameliorates the declines in the agerelated loss in physical capacity commonly seen in the general population. Indeed our fit older competitors will not only have a superior VO2max to their sedentary counterparts of the same age, but are also likely to be superior to sedentary individuals some 20 years their junior. The manifestations of this can be seen through some of our best 50+ orienteers giving some 20 – 30 year olds a run for their money. In the next edition we will look at how VO2max can be related to ability and performance in Orienteering. Professor Steve Bird is Director, Centre for Population Health, Sunshine Hospital, Melbourne. Steve also worked with the GB National Orienteering Squad for over 10 years.
NUTRITION
Losing Weight in Summer Gillian Woodward With the festive season upon us, and New Year celebrations around the corner, weight loss resolutions may be on your agenda. That’s understandable when you consider the statistics of our nation's fatness.
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ECENT studies show that 47% of women and 63% of men are overweight or obese. In fact, Australians are at the point where it is almost more "normal" to have a weight problem than not! What is worrying nutritionists and indeed all health professionals is the rate at which our nation has continued to gain weight. If the current trend continues it is estimated that by 2010, some 70% of Australians will be over their healthy weight range. The implications are scary. Consider how many life-threatening diseases are, in part, caused by overweight or obesity - cardiovascular disease and diabetes to name but two. It’s debatable whether this is due to our consumption of more energy (kilojoules or calories) than we need, or more related to our increasingly less physically active lifestyles. Certainly both are contributing factors. Some studies show that Australians have been eating less fat in recent years, but others indicate that our energy consumption has risen. We are eating more foods high in sugars, especially desserts, cakes, muesli, snack bars, etc. We need to realise that 'low fat' doesn’t necessarily mean 'low energy'. Often, a reduced fat product is higher in sugar than its full fat equivalent, so it may not be as much of an energy saver as we think at first sight. The main issue is 'how can we reverse this trend of increasing girth?' As I discussed in the last edition:
Don’t go on a fad/quick weight loss diet! We know from research that such diets fail to work in the long term. Over 95% of those who go on such diets and lose some weight, regain all of it plus more within a 12-month period. Why? ......... because they don't teach you sensible eating habits that can become part of your normal lifestyle. So here are some steps to take for healthy weight control:
Start your day with a good breakfast Otherwise, you will be starving by mid-morning and will go for the high fat/sugar snacks to give you energy. A satisfying breakfast is one that contains carbohydrate - especially the low GI type (glycaemic index). Cereals like rolled oats or muesli with low fat milk are low GI. Top them with fresh or canned fruit (no added sugar) and a dollop of yoghurt if you like it. Don’t like cereal? Then toast is fine too, especially a heavier type of grain bread or fruit bread, but be careful with toppings. Use a minimal scrape of margarine under your jam, honey or Vegemite, or alternatively use some cottage or ricotta cheese as a base spread. If your day is going to be extra busy, include more protein like egg or baked beans. Hot toppings like tomatoes, creamed corn or asparagus are also good alternatives. Finish with a glass of water or hot drink like tea or coffee (without sugar). This is much more economical on kilojoules (and dollars) than fruit juice, so skip the latter.
Choose a healthy lunch Again, some low GI carbohydrate foods like wholegrain bread or pasta would make a substantial base to the meal. Include a small serve (3060 grams) of protein like lean meat, egg, fish (salmon/tuna) or low fat cheese (cottage or ricotta), to make the meal more satisfying. Generous amounts of fresh salad or cooked vegetables add filling fibre for longer satisfaction too. Sauces for pasta should be either tomatobased or home-made creamy ones with low fat evaporated milk instead of cream. Finish the meal with fruit, yoghurt or a low fat smoothie.
Don't overdo dinner Keep your meat serving moderate - the size of the palm of your hand, or about 100-120 grams. Cook it without added fat. Fill your plate with vegetables or salad, including lots of green and yellow varieties. Also include a serving of carbohydrate-rich food like potato, corn, rice or pasta. If you are still hungry, don't feel guilty about including a modest serving of dessert based on fruit and low fat dairy foods (custard, yoghurt or ice-cream). Indulging this way is far better than getting the 'nibbles' later in the evening and going for potato crisps or chocolate biscuits.
After work snack attack! A common mistake is to come home starving and consume everything in sight in large quantities, then retire quite 'stuffed' to bed. If this sounds like you, then look at your eating throughout the day. Chances are that you skimped on earlier meals and your energy level has run low. It may be wiser to include an afternoon snack like a tub of yoghurt, low fat smoothie or fruit to keep your appetite more controlled at dinner-time.
Watch the extras! Without being too pedantic, do restrict the number of treat foods and/or drinks in your week to only a couple. Often it’s these little indulgences (doughnuts, biscuits, crisps, cheese, chocolate, soft drinks or alcohol) which blow the energy intake out beyond your body's needs. Even foods labeled 'low fat' or 'light' still contain plenty of energy (often from sugars), so be don't be caught out. Use 'free' salad dressing and 'diet 'drinks as useful substitutes for the real (energy dense) thing.
Include daily aerobic activity Do at least the basic minimum 30 minutes of any activity which makes you puff a little for at least 10 minutes at a stretch. If you want to lose weight faster, gradually step up your exercise level. Add 10 minutes to your morning/evening walk or cycle and take a walk at lunch-time to refresh your brain. Very small changes can make a big difference over time.
Set a realistic goal or target How many years or months did it take you to gain the weight? Don't expect it to drop away overnight. If you aim to lose one (or at most, two) kilograms of fat in a month, then you will achieve your goal eventually. A Body Mass Index (BMI) of between 20-25 represents the Healthy Weight Range. BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kgs) by your height (in metres) squared. If you are of muscular build or are getting on in years, aiming for a BMI of 25 may be too low/ unrealistic for you, so maybe set yourself a target of 27. If your BMI is over this, you are considered overweight, and if it is over 30, you are classified as obese. My observation is that the national overweight and obesity percentages quoted are not reflected in the Orienteering fraternity. Maybe it is due to all the endurance training, or perhaps we just don't eat too many energy-laden take-away foods. Indulgence in large quantities of alcohol is not considered an ‘essential’ to Orienteering as it is in some sports today. Hearty carbohydrate-based meals and plenty of energy expenditure are the keys to successful weight control. There is no 'quick-fix' alternative. DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 49
IOF NEWS
IOF Senior Vice-President Hugh Cameron Hugh Cameron of Australia has been a member of the IOF Council for many years but, outside the administrative circles of our sport, few people know the great contribution Hugh has made over the years. The Australian Orienteer spoke with Hugh Cameron at the recent World MTB-O Championships in Ballarat. AO: how long have you been a member of the IOF Council? HC: before I begin, may I congratulate the organisers of the 2nd World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championships – great organisation, exciting courses, closely contested competition and arenas selected and designed for spectators. Now the question: together with Åke Jacobson, I became a member of the IOF Council in 1988 and a Vice President in 1992. AO: briefly, what does the job of Senior Vice-President entail? HC: the Senior Vice President is a member of the President’s Working Group (PWG). The PWG functions in a similar way to the Executive of OA. If for any reason, the President was unable to carry out his duties then the Senior Vice President would take over the role of President.
meet the required number of member federations. Current policy is to promote the growth of Orienteering in a global context thus positioning our sport for inclusion in the Games. In the meantime, the World Games is an important means of showcasing our sport. Orienteering does satisfy the criteria for inclusion in the Winter Games. We will apply for inclusion in Summer, Winter and Paralympic Games at each available opportunity. There are real benefits of being an Olympic sport – not least in terms of athlete recognition and media exposure. AO: World Championships are now being held every year for WOC, JWOC and WMTB-O. Sending teams every year is a huge financial burden for member countries. Do you think such an onerous program can be sustained or will some countries stop sending teams? HC: the IOF is very aware of the financial constraints and is in the final stages of developing a new elite event programme in foot Orienteering. High quality Regional Orienteering Championships together with the utilisation of existing international events, attractive to the world’s elite, will be part of this programme. The new programme will be implemented in 2007. AO: will you be President of IOF one day? HC: I have been part of the international scene since 1988. The IOF has just elected a new President. We will, in the future, need to look to a new generation of orienteers, much younger than I, to lead the IOF as we venture further into the 21st century. AO: thank you for a frank discussion.
AO: what would you say is your most significant achievement? HC: the IOF Council is dedicated to ensuring the spread of Orienteering to more people in more places. It has a world view. It functions as a very good team, the capabilities of its members complement one another. Living “down under”, I have, over the years, been able to present the perspective of those parts of the world far from Europe. AO: Åke Jacobson has just been elected President of IOF. Do you foresee any significant changes in direction for the IOF during his reign? HC: Åke Jacobson and I know our respective points of view very well. There will be no surprises. The direction of the IOF is clearly set out in the 2004-2006 activity plan. The key elements are to spread the sport world-wide, to promote the development of Orienteering, to create and maintain a world elite event programme and to strengthen the organisation. Åke is committed to realising these goals. AO: Anti-Doping strategies are a major issue for all sports. At WOC 2003 athletes from just 13 of 41 participating countries were tested. Some might say that is not a very stringent approach. What would be your response? HC: Orienteering has a history of being clean when it comes to the matter of doping. The IOF is committed to ensuring a drug free sport. The IOF respects and abides by the provisions of the World AntiDoping Code and the Olympic Charter. It does everything in its power to preserve the spirit and values of our sport. Doping is contrary to such values and spirit. AO: getting Foot Orienteering admitted to the Summer Olympics program seems to be a major pre-occupation with the IOF. Is it realistic and would the perceived benefits justify the effort? HC: when it comes to being admitted to the Summer Olympic Games, the first objective of the IOF is to satisfy the criteria. We do not yet 50 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
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IOF NEWS
IOF elects new President With the retirement of Sue Harvey from the post of President the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) elected Åke Jacobson of Sweden to the position for the period 2004-2006. Hugh Cameron from Australia was elected Senior Vice-President. Åke Jacobson has been a keen Orienteer since the age of 11. Orienteering has been part of his life ever since. • F rom 1973 -1976 Åke was the Secretary General of the Swedish Orienteering Federation (SOFT). He was also the President of SOFT from 1986 to1994. •H e became a member of the IOF Council in 1988 and has been a Vice-President from 1992 to 2004. •Å ke has solid mapping experience and mapped on a full-time basis in 1970-71. •Å ke has orienteered in over 50 countries, and as a junior, reached Swedish national team level. “I have a lot of visions for Orienteering that I would like to see realized and the best way to make these happen is to work within the structures now in place in the IOF” he said. “Working with people from all parts of the world for something in which you all believe gives me the energy required as well as the reward for the time spent.” “I believe one of the most important tasks for us is to continue to increase the recognition of our sport in the international sports arena and among the general public. I think our athletes deserve more appreciation and recognition for their performances which, I believe, are comparable to those of any other top athletes in the world. We also need to adopt a more global view in allocating events and an events program that is attractive to both athletes and the general public.” He added, “I believe the 2004 World Championships in Västerås was the “Best Championships Ever ”. Certainly in terms of the quality of the arena production it was for the first time really exciting to be a spectator at an Orienteering event. With the concept as demonstrated in Västerås we have come far in realising our ideal WOC concept. A few steps more and the status of our sport will increase further.” (extract from IOF O-Zine article by Erik Borg)
IOF World Rankings Men 1 Valentin Novikov RUS 2 Thierry Gueorgiou FRA 3 Holger Hott Johansen NOR 4 Emil Wingstedt SWE 5 Jarkko Huovila FIN 6 Mats Haldin FIN 45 Grant Bluett AUS 72 David Shepherd AUS 79 Tom Quayle AUS 82 Troy de Haas AUS 104 Eric Morris AUS
October 2004
Women 1 Simone Niggli-Luder SUI 2 Heli Jukkola FIN 3 Jenny Johansson SWE 4 Hanne Staff NOR 5 Marika Mikkola FIN 6 Karolina Arewång-Höjsgaard SWE 42 Natasha Key AUS 46 Jo Allison AUS 64 Hanny Allston AUS 108 Danielle Winslow AUS
2005 South Australian Orienteering Championships Sunday 12th & Monday 13th June 2005 Join ‘Lincoln Orienteers’ for the first time in SA orienteering history for a championship event held over two days. The cumulative times from both days will make your final event time. WHERE: Enjoy the June long weekend orienteering, 7km SE of picturesque Coffin Bay, Southern Eyre Peninsula. TERRAIN: Run on two adjoining maps in limestone terrain, cleared but interspersed with areas of larger native shrubs. Complex patterns of ridges and knolls and hundreds of small to massive limestone outcrops will make orienteering both a challenge and a joy. WHERE TO STAY: Low cost bunk accommodation and camping will be available at Nyroca 25km NW of Coffin Bay on 11th & 12th June at $5 per head per night. For Bookings contact – Jan Hetherington on (08) 8682 2374 or email: bazjan@sa.chariot.net.au
For other alternatives contact
Mt Dutton Bay Woolshed bunkhouse hostel Phone: (08) 8685 4031 or www.duttonbay. com/woolshed.htm Coffin Bay – Beachcomber Agencies Phone: (08) 8685 4057 or email: beachecombers@internode.on.net Port Lincoln – Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre Phone: 1300 788 378 email: info@visitportlincoln.net or go to www.visitportlincoln.net WANT TO KNOW MORE? Entries close Monday 30th May 2005 Entry forms and further details can be obtained on the Lincoln Orienteers website: www.users.centralonline.com.au/lincolno/sachamps Or contact the Event Organiser: Warren Dickie: (08) 8682 1141(ah) or email: lincolnrural@ruralco.com.au for an information kit.
full details of which can be found at http://www.orienteering.org/ DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 51
NIGEL AYLOTT – 1966-2004 Nigel Aylott’s achievements read like a book. Adventure Racing • • • • • • • • • • • •
rimal Quest, Lake Tahoe, CA, 2nd place, 2003 P Wild Onion Urban Race, Chicago, 1st place, 2003 EcoAdventure, Cairns 1st place, 2003 Three Peaks yacht race, Tasmania, 1st place (course record), 2003 Mountain Designs Geoquest, Sydney, 2nd place, 2003 Arrow 24 Hour, Melbourne, 1st place, 2003 Three Peaks yacht race, Tasmania, 1st place, 2002 Arrow 24 Hour, Melbourne, 2nd place, 2001 Three Peaks yacht race, Tasmania, 1st place, 2001 Eco-Challenge Sabah, Borneo, 3rd place, 2000 Southern Traverse, New Zealand, 1st mens team, 1999 Thredbo Enduro, NSW, 2nd place three times
Other
Vale Nigel Aylott Adventure Racer Extraordinaire
C
LOSE to 1,000 people crowded in and around St. Marks church in Emerald, Victoria, to celebrate the life of Nigel Aylott. Nigel was an extraordinary rogainer, orienteer, paddler, ultra-distance runner and adventure racer. On September 21, in Washington State, US, whilst leading his Team AROC in 1st place in a 400-mile adventure race, the Subaru Primal Quest, Nigel was struck by a falling boulder and died instantly. Eight members of Nigel's team and an American team were using ropes to lower themselves during the trekking/orienteering segment when a boulder that weighed more than 135 kg came loose. Two other racers were injured.
• • • • • •
xfam Trailwalker, Melbourne, 1st place, 2004 O Oxfam TrailWalker, Sydney, 1st place, 2003 Australian Rogaining Champion, 2001 & 2002 Oxfam TrailWalker,1st Australian team, 2000 World Rogaining Champion, Canada, 1998 Victorian Rogaining Champion, Four times
Nigel in 1998 after winning the World Rogaining Championships near Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.
The Australian and American teams were leading the race, which involved hiking, biking and kayaking stages. The race, which was expected to last about 10 days, was halted after Nigel's death. Nigel, 38, was an experienced racer, finishing in the top three in 12 adventure races around the world. Nigel was best known for his running and rogaining. He held numerous Australian long distance running records and titles. He twice won the Australian Rogaining Championship, and was a former World Rogaining Champion. He also placed first in the Three Peaks yacht race in Tasmania in 2003, setting a course record in the process. His successful adventure-racing career included top-3 finishes in last year's Primal Quest race in California, the Eco-Challenge expedition race in Borneo in 2000, and the Southern Traverse race in New Zealand in 1999. Nigel was a business analyst for Telstra. Unstoppable; bulletproof – these are just some of the images held by friends and compatriots. Other descriptions were – highly inquisitive and intelligent; committed organizer; tireless volunteer. A champion who was always ready to assist lesser mortals, Nigel was one of the world’s best adventure racers. His passing leaves an enormous hole at the top of several extreme sports. Two tributes from friends say it all: “Nigel was a true Aussie in every sense of the word. Confident, passionate about sport, incredibly friendly and a bloody good adventure racer.” “Nige, you were always gentle, intelligent, funny, humble, lifeloving and just a damn good bloke.”
52 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
Nigel’s Paddle September 27, 2004 Gordon Wright (Primal Quest) Around a point, came the members of Teams AROC and Montrail. The flotilla quieted and organized more coherent parallel lines, forming a chute through which the athletes passed, singing “Wish You Were Here.” Our paddles were raised, and I got a wicked shock at the sight of what I swore was Nigel, paddling the lead kayak. It was Michael Aylott, Nigel’s brother, looking skilled and easy with a paddle in his hand. After they passed, we lowered our paddles and fell in line behind them, beaching the flotilla to quiet applause from hundreds gathered on the shore. It turns out that Nigel had been on the paddle after all. His ashes, inside a dry bag, were pulled from the hatch and carried to the finish line, where his mother waited. We sang; most of us cried a bit. Then we quietly dispersed into the morning, individually and collectively lost in remembrance and reflection.
NIGEL AYLOTT – 1966-2004
Courtesy of Subaru Primal Quest. Photos by Holmstrom Photography Tim Holmstrom & Dan Campbell; Sherry Martin, and Michael Bitton.
Tributes The following is a tribute from members of Nigel’s Team AROC: Nigel once quoted “Everyman dies but not every man lives”. Nigel was definitely one who lived life to the fullest, last year taking a redundancy from a senior Telstra position to race and train full time. Nigel loved adventure racing and we loved adventure racing with Nigel. Adventure racing suited Nigel because there were just too many great things to see and do in the world for a single sport to satisfy him. Nigel loved competing. But whilst he loved to do well he was also happy to race with anyone, anytime and anywhere. Nigel just hated to miss out on anything. In July this year Nigel flew to Arizona, USA for the world rogaining championships – even though he didn’t have a partner yet. Team AROC was our adventure racing family and we always had a great time together. Our motto was “to have fun, enjoy life and find Nigel a wife”. We always had fun out there on the course. This year at the Subaru Primal Quest we had so many comments about what a great fun team we were and as a result there were so many people here barracking for us. Nigel was so many things in our team. He was the quirky one, sometimes just so annoying, sometimes so lovable, the one that told things just how he saw them. To quote condolence notes: “His capacity for extremes was phenomenal – he was so capable and strong and hard, yet so incredibly gentle and loyal to his friends” “The adventure racing community has lost one of the most humble, unassuming, inspiring, and world class adventure racers around. It is a truly great loss.” The best thing was that we loved Nigel for exactly who he was. As well he was a great team member. He was the packhorse that carried all the extra team gear. Always strong, always dependable. He was
tireless and so full of energy, the key to Team AROC’s success was our team and how well we got on. And portion of a tribute from Vivienne Prince (TAS) gives an insight to Nigel’s sheer tenacity and endurance: “The fantastic adventure race in the British Virgin Islands. We paddled into a hurricane, wore swim goggles kayaking, scuba dived where pirates treasure had been but your tenacity for locating checkpoints will never be forgotton. After leading us crawling through the same lot of dense cactus for the fifth time, you were actually crying and wimpering with pain and frustration, but still you wouldn't give up. "It's got to be here somewhere"! We went from the Carribean straight to minus 24degreesC in Sweden and spent hours dragging our bike boxes and trunks through the snow in the dark of night. No taxi would take us as we had too much gear. You loved the free Xmas dinner we had with the homeless, you could eat as much as you wanted. We all nearly froze alive trying to ski to Norway and you drove a skidoo through the ice in Finland. In Fiji we wore our life jackets for three days in the jungle trying to keep warm, then spent a horrible night huddled under our useless little pack-rafts on a muddy slope in the pouring rain because the river was too swollen to battle up any further. You kept assuring our hypothermic teammate in your irrepressible optimism "the checkpoints just around the next corner...." Nige, you are a legend in so many ways. You weren't scared paddling out the river mouth when the waves just kept coming bigger and bigger, you didn't know why the cargo ship kept sounding it's horn when you were trying to wash ride it in your Evolution, and you didn't understand why the cops kicked us out of the Burnley Tunnel when we tried to mountain bike through..... We will all miss you so much Nigel, but I thank you for giving everyone so much.” DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 53
TALENT SEARCH
Orienteering ACT Invests in Talented Juniors Neville Bleakley ACTAS Head Coach
The Initiative: Orienteering ACT has taken a bold step to invest in its emerging talent. It has arranged with ACT Academy of Sport to buy services designed to prepare talented orienteers aged 16-23 for the realities of life as high performance athletes. ACTAS Development Squad: The arrangement will see an Orienteering Development Squad formed at ACTAS in 2005. There’ll be a maximum of six members, each costing OACT $300 for a six-month program. The orienteer him/herself will bear the remaining cost of $85, although it is expected that – in most cases – that will be borne by the member’s local Orienteering club. ACTAS HP Squad: Entry criteria for the ACTAS scholarship program have been altered so that only those ACT orienteers who are in the OA national senior squad will be eligible to apply (or those who, in the opinion of the ACTAS selectors, will be able to achieve that in the next 18 months). The HP Squad will contain a maximum of eight members (although some allowance is made for additional overseas associate members). ACTAS orienteering scholarship holders must satisfy an 18-month residence qualification, and they must be Australian citizens (as the Head Coach found out when about to offer a 2005 scholarship to Canberra Cockatoo star, Stewart Fishwick, a British citizen studying at ANU). Differences: In the past the ACTAS squad could consist of a mix of seniors and juniors. ACT coaches found that arrangement caused problems for both groups. Existing HP orienteers need (no, they demand) training at a higher level, greater intensity and greater frequency than most emerging juniors can understand, much less participate in. They will also travel further to suitable competitions and training terrain. That has logistical implications for a squad. Also there are implications under NSW child protection laws if under-18s are taken into NSW, a fairly common occurrence for ACT orienteers. Realities: The reality of life in the HP lane is that an athlete gives a large part of his/her life over to sports performance. That “sacrifice” can take many forms such as careers put on hold, job opportunities not being taken, relationships put on the back burner, and so on. Any athlete who sets him/herself up to challenge those at the very top of their sport must achieve a balance of four essential areas: fitness, technical skill, mental preparation and mental “set”/lifestyle (including the way an athlete thinks about him/herself). All are important, although the relative importance will vary from athlete to athlete, and from time-to-time in an athlete’s life. The weakest link will let an athlete down under the pressure of constant training, or – worst of all - in the glare of high-level competition. There are countless examples of that in all sports, including Orienteering. Orienteering in Australia must recognized those issues, and do the best it can to help its high performers for the athletes’ own sake, if not to maximize the OA high performance dollar. Better Preparation: Emerging, talented juniors must be taught what all of the above means to them as an individual before they can make an informed decision to take the plunge into HP Orienteering. ACTAS Orienteering coaches have been aware of the challenges of that task for a long time. However, it was thought that by including juniors in the same squad as high performers, some of the HP lessons might “rub off” on them – by osmosis, as it were. Sometimes that happened, but in many more cases the situation became too intimidating. The talented junior tried his/her best but, in the end, quietly faded away from the scene, probably harboring feelings of guilt at “not making 54 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER DECEMBER 2004
the grade”. Sometimes they left Orienteering altogether, more’s the pity. Orienteering cannot afford a talent drain. How many talented juniors have gone to Europe in the past 20 years to “try the circuit”, yet have come home disheartened, fading away from Orienteering. There will always be “casualties” in high-level sport, but they can be minimized by careful preparation – physically, technically and mentally. Competing in Europe is an essential part of high-level Orienteering, but Australia must do better to prepare its best. Orienteering ACT is to be commended for this initiative, which is one step on a long journey. Squad Arrangements: In the words of national senior coach Jim Russell, Orienteering needs places like ACTAS “to do the coaching things that we orienteers can’t do, for one reason or another”. So OACT turned to ACTAS to develop a six-month program that will expose selected ACT “juniors” (ages 16-23) to regular gym-based strength and conditioning, discussion groups on mental preparation, how to handle the media, how to manage their time, how to measure their fitness in terrain, how to recover from training and competition, drug issues in sport, and so on. They will not do technical training with ACTAS. That aspect will remain with the Blue Lightnings or the Canberra Cockatoos. The arrangement is shown in the following diagram:
HP Pathway
Conventional Pathway
ACTAS HP Squad • Eligible only to those in National Senior Squad, or able to achieve that in 18 months • Must be resident in ACT, or ACTAS Overseas Associate Scholarship holders • 12-month “holistic” program, commencing 1 Nov each year • Train with Canberra Cockatoos, but with some separate squad training sessions e.g. S&C in gym
Canberra Cockatoos • as per current arrangements
ACTAS Development Squad • Targets orienteers aged 16-23 who are ready and willing to undertake a holistic ACTAS program, including sessions on: S&C (max 2 sessions per week), Nutrition, Sport psychology, Athlete Career Education, Testing • Max of six members • Payment of $385 per athlete for 6-month program • Must be compatible with HP program, so must be guided by the ACTAS Head Coach • Will remain a full member of the Canberra Cockatoos or Blue Lightning squads
Blue Lightnings • as per current arrangements
The 2005 ACTAS HP Squad has just been selected Offers have gone out to eight orienteers: Jo Allison, Grant Bluett, Allison Jones, Mace Neve, Tom Quayle, David Shepherd, Cassie Trewin and Rob Walter, all of whom will be in ACT for significant parts of 2005. Interviews will be held to select members of the Talent Development Squad.
Working Together: It’s not the first time that ACTAS has gone
down this pathway with a State or National Sporting Organization. Most of the “bigger” sports already have such programs with ACTAS. It illustrates that there are benefits to be had in making partnerships with Institutes/Academies of Sport. Orienteering Tasmania found that with its ground-breaking Orienteering Talent Search Program conducted in conjunction with the Tasmanian Institute of Sport. Why reinvent the wheel?
ORIENTEERING AUSTRALIA
Official News Dave Lotty, Director (Administration)
ASC Obligatory Funding Criteria Among the criteria that the ASC says is obligatory for a NSO to be eligible for recognition (for funding) are that a sport must: • Have at least four active affiliated State/Territory Associations • Conduct State and National Championships
Junior World Orienteering Championships 2005 The Junior World Championships (JWOC) will be held in Tenero, Switzerland, July 10 - 17. The Orienteering Australia Board has appointed Paul Pacque (TAS) as Team Coach. A Team Manager will be appointed soon. Main selection trials will be each day of the Australian 3-Days at Jindabyne, NSW (organized by ACT) on 25-28 March 2005. The W-18 and W-20 classes and M-18 and M-20 classes will compete on the same courses at the 3-Days, so prospective candidates may enter either of the classes in order to be considered. Orienteers wishing to be considered for selection for the Australian team will need to advise Blair Trewin (Chairperson of Junior Selectors) by 15th March. You can obtain further information from Blair by contacting him on (03) 9455 3516 (h) or (03) 9669 4603 (w); or by email at b. trewin@bom.gov.au.
Annual Conference The Orienteering Australia Annual Conference was held at Burgmann College, ANU, Canberra on 4-5 December, 2004. This is the main policy meeting of OA with representatives from all states present to discuss future directions for the sport in Australia. Issues from the Conference will be reported in the next edition of The Australian Orienteer.
Running the Business Bob Mouatt, Director (Development)
•H ave been played in Australia for over 75 years and have a minimum of 5,000 registered and active members or be affiliated with an International Federation that is affiliated with the GAISF (General Association of International Sports Federations) or the IOC •B e the NSO of an Olympic or Commonwealth Games sport or have a minimum of 5,000 registered and active members The NSO must provide documentary evidence to substantiate compliance. There are other criteria to be met, but it’s those above which mention ‘a minimum of 5,000 registered and active members’ that are most critical for Orienteering Australia. While we consider we currently meet that criteria, this one gives me most concern. We need to get the number of fully financial members up to 5,000. We had 3,654 in 2003 and a further 2,802 associate members or those covered by group memberships, eg schools, to give a total of 6,456 registered orienteers. So we have to rely on the ASC accepting that figure as our minimum number of registered and active orienteers. If States were able to improve their record-keeping through maintaining participation databases (as ACT and VIC have done) that could validate the number of active orienteers (full members, associate members, and non-members) it would help OA’s standing in regard to the ‘minimum of 5,000’ criteria. I will be raising this matter at the 2004 OA Annual Conference in Canberra in December. Again, we need more people in the States interested in collecting and maintaining such data. Some may say that we don’t need all this bureaucracy as “we could live without ASC funding” but they have no idea how much Orienteering Australia and State Associations rely on government sponsorship. Moreover, whether it is government or private sponsors, both would use similar criteria to assess the relevance of a sport, as a basis for determining its worthiness of sponsorship.
Media Coverage and Sport Relevance Rating Those who receive my World Championship bulletins will know that I’ve spent a lot of time trying to get media coverage for Orienteering. The extent of media coverage is a measurement used by the Australian Sports Commission and other sponsors to determine a sport’s ‘Sport Relevance Rating’ In a recent letter to national sporting organisations (NSO) about how funding of sporting bodies will be determined for the next four years, the ASC explained: “This (Sport Relevance) rating will have reference to the interest in a sport within Australia, considering elements such as the number of registered participants, the amount of financial support provided by external bodies (non-government), domestic interest and profile and international interest and profile.” Thus it’s become very important for a sport to have at least minimal media interest rather than none. However, there are now over one hundred sports seeking coverage and new ones appear frequently - we have to work harder to gain coverage. This means assembling necessary data on which to base stories, knowing who to contact and how to contact them, and ensuring that the key people have the facts when they want them. Assembling useful facts is something which Orienteering, with over 30 years history in Australia, does not match many other sports which are always able to sprout comparative data such as biggest winning margins, most consecutive titles, youngest, oldest, first to do, etc. Blair Trewin does a lot in this regard, but much more is required. We need a few keen trivia buffs who love to compile data about Orienteering. While I do compile a lot of stats, I would welcome offers of assistance in this regard.
OA Badge Scheme For further information contact John Oliver, 68 Amaroo St, Wagga Wagga 2650. Ph 069 226 208 (AH) email oliver.family@bigpond.com.au Badges awarded August-October 2004 Jenny Komyshan WO.W W45 Silver Carolyn Chalmers NC.N W60 Gold Ian Hassall IK.N M65, M70 Peter Komyshan WO.W M50 Gold Ken Thompson TT.S M55 Bronze 3 Gold Bill Chalmers NC.N M60 Bronze Libby Hassall IK.N W45 Bronze Ian Thomsett WO.W M35 Gold
Entry Deadlines
Date Event 25-28 March 2005 Australian 3 Days
Nearest town Jindabyne NSW
Entries close 18 Feb
Orienteering Australia photo archive PETER CUSWORTH (Vic), graphic designer of this magazine, maintains an archive of the digital photo files which have been used in The Australian Orienteer. These orienteering photo files can be made available for press releases or special promotional projects. Any material costs will be passed on to users. Contact Peter on 03 5968 5254 or cusworth@netspace.net.au
DECEMBER 2004 THE AUSTRALIAN ORIENTEER 55
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