 Angela Simpson(Photo: Ian Simpson; click to enlarge) |
Rotorua’s Angela Simpson became only the second orienteer from New Zealand to finish on the Junior World Championships podium with a brilliant sprint race in Poland.
In a tough race combining urban and steep forest navigation, there were many finishers looking disappointed with their efforts in the super fast version of orienteering.
But not Simpson: "I had a good run, and I'm really happy with the result."
In 1992 Aucklander Tania Robinson finished on the podium (top 6) with 5th place in the middle distance in Finland.
2010 winner Ida Bobach of Denmark was a narrow victor by 2 seconds from countrywoman Emma Klingenberg.
There is no rest day for Angela as she lines up against defending champion Bobach today for her other favoured event, the long distance.
"I will be running strong in the long distance" she added.
Next best Kiwi woman was Laura Robertson in 43rd place, not quite matching her debut at 24th in 2010.
The New Zealand men were all running well, with Matt Ogden having an excellent run to finish 21st, with the rest of the team finishing predominantly in the top half of the 158 strong field.
Ogden is a middle distance specialist, who had been concerned about not hitting form for the last domestic races before the Worlds, but now finds himself in top shape for his preferred longer distances
Long distance racing commences from 9am Polish time (7pm NZ time).
Official results: Sprint distance 3.07.2011 - Junior World Orienteering Championships
Women - 130 starters
1 Bobach, Ida Denmark, 00:14:29,5
2 Klingenberg, Emma Denmark, 00:14:31,8
3 Novotná, Tereza Czech Republic, 00:14:41,5
4 Alexandersson, Tove Sweden, 00:14:59,3
5 Gross, Julia Switzerland, 00:15:15,7
6 Simpson, Angela New Zealand, 00:15:16,2
7 Martinsson, Linnea Sweden, 00:15:26,6
8 Kutkait,e Aušrine Lithuania, 00:15:40,0
9 Myhre, Ingjerd Norway, 00:15:52,2
10 Chepaeva, Natalia Russia, 00:15:52,8
43 Robertson, Laura New Zealand, 00:16:48,7
92 Goodwin, Jaime New Zealand, 00:18:37,7
95 Metherel,l Selena New Zealand, 00:18:45,0
97 Gray, Anna New Zealand, 00:18:51,9
109 Morrison, Kate New Zealand, 00:19:42,7
Men - 158 starters
1 Basset, Lucas France 00:15:07,7
2 Blanes, Andreu Spain 00:15:17,4
3 Howald, Florian Switzerland 00:15:19,1
4 Merl, Robert Austria 00:15:20,4
5 Olejnik, Micha? Poland 00:15:31,5
6 Kinneberg, Eskil Norway 00:15:33,0
7 Kubát, Pavel Czech Republic 00:15:42,1
8 Tikhonov, Gleb Russia 00:15:44,7
9 Podzi?ski, Rafa? Poland 00:15:53,9
10 Vister, Martin Norway 00:15:54,8
21 Ogden, Matt New Zealand 00:16:13,5
30 Scott, Toby New Zealand 00:16:26,7
43 Beveridge, Gene New Zealand 00:16:42,4
58 McDonald, Scott New Zealand 00:17:02,3
75 Hann, Nick New Zealand 00:17:24,0
78 Robertson, Tim New Zealand 00:17:26,2
Junior World Orienteering Championshipsremaining races
4.07.2011 - Monday - Long 9:00am Polish time
5.07.2011 - Tuesday - rest day
6.07.2011 - Wednesday - Middle Qualification 10:00
7.07.2011 - Thursday - Middle Final 10:00
