Many of you may have already met Anna Taksdal who is visiting from Norway and coaching PAPO members. Anna (left) is pictured above with Phoebe Hunt.  

1. How did you start orienteering?
My parents since I was a little kid always went orienteering.  For every holiday and vacation we went away as a family to competitions and training.

2. Tell us about your club in Norway and the terrain you usually train in?
My club is Ganddal IL. It is quite a small club by the coast, with around 100 or less members. There are two main families, my own and another family, who have kids the same age. That is probably the reason why I always have enjoyed it so much. My dad and the other father make most of the courses and have most of the mapping, and because of that we have both high level training and good maps. The terrain is quite special, because we have a lot different areas: from cliffs with rocks, small but fast forests, to green areas with small roads. We also have some open sand dunes that are always shifting, and hard to map accurately.

3. What has been your most memorable orienteering?
EYOC22 in Hungary. I was in a relay team that placed 3rd. It was my first time in an international team and in eastern Europe. It was very cool running with the team and doing so well – it made it very memorable.

4. What are the key orienteering events to attend in Norway?  What would you recommend ?
O-festivalen is an event in June that has up to 1500 people. It is designed for both juniors and seniors, featuring the Norwegian cup for all ages. It has chasing starts, and a score-o that you can do in teams with many fun, family-style activities such as: puzzles, counting or eating as many cookies as you can. I have participated in this event since I was about 1 years old. 

5.  What sort of coaching have you done?
Helping in the club, especially with the younger children, designing beginner courses not only for kids but also helping adults with their orienteering.

6. Do you have any relevant tips on training for orienteering events?
Definitely do specific training that is relevant to the event. My father makes courses leading up to each event. He makes urban maps when training for sprints, and finds forest that is relevant for each event terrain. But also remember to have some rest days before an event for a calm brain, but I allow at least a day before the event to try to master the local terrain by getting out into a similar area. 

7. How did you find out about the coaching position in NZ ?
It was super random in that my brother had been to New Zealand and said it was such a nice place, as well as friends. Someone told me to contact PAPO, and so after a lot of coincidences of meeting kiwis and hearing about New Zealand – I applied for the position!

8. What advice can you give another orienteer coach who maybe considering coming to NZ?
It is definitely worth it! Kiwi’s are very nice people, polite and friendly. I really mean it!  

9. What have you observed / noticed in your short time here so far, and what have you enjoyed ?
People, and I mean – all of them – from those in shops to all the orienteers. Everyone speaks to everyone. In Scandinavia, some might not speak to new people in the same way. The nature of the people and the terrain in New Zealand has already impressed me so far. 

10. If you could have one orienteering sporting wish – what would it be?
Being a world champ in either middle distance or relay.