3 Scottish Juniors through to World middle distance finals

It was another tricky day in the forests of Denmark, but three Scots performed well enough in the Junior World Orienteering Championships (JWOC) middle qualifier to make it into tomorrow’s final.

It was a tough ask for Freddie Carcas (INT) to make the final today, having drawn the very first start in his heat.  In forests like these with patches of thick vegetation, tracks quickly form through the terrain, making the orienteering more physically and technically easier for the late starters.   Freddie had a great race though, leading for some time at the finish, and made the final in 18th place in his heat with the top 20 qualifying.  He said afterwards that it was his best race so far; the plan was to play it safe today – mainly did this apart from no 2;  and that it was a good area – tricky but good planning!

Eilidh Campbell (MAROC) continued her great week, qualifying solidly in 14th.  She commented afterwards that she made 3 mistakes but running fast and straight into all the others so made up good time.  She is delighted to be through to the A final and looking forward to tomorrow!  Megan Keith (INVOC) was also in Eilidh’s heat, and like Freddie was one of the earlier starters.  She lost time at no 1 and despite running strongly in the steep second half just could not make up enough time to qualify, ending up 23rd.

Finlay Todd (INVOC) and Peter Molloy  (FVO) were also edged out of qualifying today, with Finlay reporting that the forest at the start and end of the course was very tricky, with low visibility meaning you had to be extremely accurate to hit the controls.

Grace Molloy (FVO) had another great run today, finishing 3rd in her heat to secure a late start in tomorrow’s middle final.  The first start is at 10:15 CET tomorrow, so log on to the event website early to follow the action:
https://www.jwoc2019.dk/races/middle-final

Update provided by Claire Ward, SOA Performance Director