Hollie Orr is looking forward to her third and final appearance for GB at the World Junior Orienteering Championships in Italy next month, and the young Scot reckons she is ready to give the ever-dominant Scandinavians a run for glory.

The 20-year-old earned her selection after collecting a silver medal at the recent Futures Champions Cup and she will be joined by another two Scots – Hazel Wright and Alasdair McLeod – in the 12-strong British team.

“It was a bit of a shock when I made the team for my first world juniors in Australia two years ago, although it was a real turning point in my career because that was when I began to realise that I was getting better and that I was able to pull it off in the big races,” said the Glasgow 20-year-old.

“I was in the team again in Sweden last year and came 37th so this time I want to do considerably better and at least make the top 20. This is my last time in the juniors and, next year, I’ll be aiming to get into the team for the senior World Championships in Norway.”

Hollie was just nine when a family friend prompted the Orrs to try orienteering, and now it is a family passion. Dad (Robin), Mum (Liz) and younger sister, Jessica, are all involved in the sport. In fact, Jessica is another budding British star and will be representing her country at the European Youth Championships in Serbia this summer.

“We started as a family and didn’t really know much about the sport, but Scotland has a really good junior system and I was given a place in the squad,” she said. “When I started, everybody in the age-group was pretty good at running so it was the map reading that counted. But as you get older, fitness is more of an issue.”

A member of Clydeside Orienteers, Hollie is fortunate that she has been able to continue her sport at a high level – in fact, the opportunities have increased - since starting her degree in mechanical engineering at Edinburgh University.

Scott Fraser, an Edinburgh graduate and a world university championship medalist who now works for Scottish Orienteering, has helped the University build a fine reputation in the particular sport. “Scott has been a real inspiration,” admits Hollie. “He really helps everyone and passes on a lot of advice.”

She is also grateful for the award of an Edinburgh University sports scholarship. “I get some financial assistance and it also means I receive extra coaching, physiotherapy and all the support services. It’s terrific.”

While orienteering is not yet an Olympic sport, it is included in the World Games and Hollie hopes to be competing at the top level for many years to come.  And she is delighted that 18-year-old Jessica is also ready to challenge for top honours.

“Jess is starting a degree in architecture and will be joining me at Edinburgh University next session,” said the big sister.  “Now that she is getting older and the physical gap between us is closing, it is really nice that we can train regularly together.” 

This summer, Hollie and Jessica are both proud to have the chance to represent GB orienteering firmly on the world stage.

EB
© Copyright In The Winning Zone, MMIX, All Rights Reserved