In July 2009, New Zealand Orienteering will send a team of 2 men and 2 women to compete in the 8th World Games. Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
The World Games will showcase 32 Sports and 4,500 athletes from around the globe as they compete to be included in the Olympic Games.
On this global stage our team will receive worldwide coverage and will compete against 76 of the best orienteers in the world.
The New Zealand team for the 9th World Games, to be held in Kaohsiung City from 16 to 17 July 2009 is as follows:
Darren Ashmore (Rotorua)
Ross Morrison (Hawkes Bay)
Lizzie Ingham (Wellington)
Tania Robinson (Henderson)
The three race format starts with a Sprint final around the Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts followed by a Middle Distance and Mixed Relay Event through the 375 hectare scenic area around Chengcing Lake.
This New Zealand team, the first to represent New Zealand at the World Games, is an exceptional mix of experience and new talent.
Team member profiles
Darren Ashmore (37): Current National champion (Middle distance), leads the SILVA 2009 National Series and holds 7 national titles. Has represented New Zealand five times at World Championships and was a finalist four times with a career best of 34th and 35th in Japan.
Ross Morrison (24): Twice National champion (2007 and 2008) and currently living and training in Odense, Denmark. Made a big impact on the world scene by winning the prestigious JK Sprint in the UK in April and rocketing into the top 100 of world-rankings. Represented NZ at two World Championships (2007 and 2008) where he became the first New Zealander to qualify for all three finals at the Worlds.
Lizzie Ingham (20): Current National Sprint champion, Oceania Sprint, Middle and Long distance champion and SILVA 2009 National Series leader. Yet to represent at World Championships level; but outstanding results at Junior World Championships (two top 20 placings) indicate great potential at the World Games.
Tania Robinson (36): Returned from 18 months of injury enforced retirement in 2009 to win two National titles (Middle and Long distance) bringing her total to 21. Represented New Zealand at 11 World Championships and produced what is arguably New Zealand's best ever female result with her 16th place at World Championships and 5th at Junior World Championships.
