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27/06/2022 00:00, In Blog /

Sunday saw the first race of the World Orienteering Championships, the Mixed Sprint Relay. Taking place in the complex old city centre of Kolding Denmark, the route choice involved railway and river as well as narrow streets, alleyways, and backyards.

The GB team included two Welsh athletes, Kris Jones and Megan Carter-Davies and two English athletes Charlotte Ward and Ralph Street.

Charlotte Ward (GB) ran a confident and strong first Leg handing over to Ralph Street (GB) in 3rd place. The race was already thought to be both physically and navigationally challenging but during the second Leg, several of the international teams made an unexpected error which cost 30-45 seconds. Ralph however demonstrated his strong navigational skills to not follow the pack but make his own route choice which saw him handover to Kris Jones (GB) in 2nd place.

Kris Jones (GB) who has shown exceptional performances on the track last year, ran a great leg to handover to Megan Carter-Davies (GB) in 1st place, with World Champion Tove Alexandersson (SWE) starting close behind. Alexandersson once again demonstrated her usual strength and speed, and although Megan kept her within sight for a good proportion of the course, she finished well ahead after the final forking.

This is the first World Championship Relay medal since 2008 and hopefully the start to a great Championships.

(GB team. Left to right. Charlotte Ward, Ralph Street, Kris Jones, Megan Carter-Davies. Photo credit IOF)

Sprint Relay Results

1. Sweden (Lina Strand, Max Peter Bejmer, Gustav Bergman, Tove Alexandersson)
2. Great Britain (Charlotte Ward, Ralph Street, Kris Jones, Megan Carter Davies) + 1.02
3. Norway (Ane Dyrkorn, Lukas Liland, Kasper Fosser, Andrine Benjaminsen) + 1.41
4. Switzerland + 1.47
5. Denmark + 1.49
6. France + 1.52

Results and more can be found at IOF LIVE.

Congratulations to the GB team on their inspiring win. Fantastic result! Well done, and very well deserved.

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