British Orienteering is pleased to announce the Senior GBR Squad for 2018. This year sees a significant shift in the senior set up with a single squad supported by volunteer Senior Squad Manager Ed Nicholas. The squad features 24 athletes, 14 men and 10 women, with a wide range of experience.
Many familiar faces return including Mixed Sprint Relay Bronze medallists from Round 1 of IOF World Cup in Finland; Cat Taylor, Peter Hodkinson and Ralph Street.
'Being part of the squad since 2004 has been great for my orienteering development as it provided me information on the aspects around elite sport, it allowed me to experience a variety of different terrain, and it gave me a way to access funding sources' said Ralph.
Many of the World Orienteering Championships Team from 2017 are back intent on building on some strong performances over the year, including Megan Carter-Davies who said,
'I’ve really enjoyed my first year on the senior squad, just being part of a group who share the same goals keeps the motivation high. Looking forward to more this year!'
In addition to the familiar faces, there are five new members. The Selection Panel recognised the results and performances of some older faces with two returning members Matthew Speake and Peter Bray. Kirstin Maxwell is a new member to the squad and is joined by two members moving into the senior ranks Alexander ‘Sasha’ Chepelin and Jennifer Ricketts after very promising junior careers and successful performances at the Junior World Orienteering Championships 2017.
Sasha said, 'Finishing my junior career in orienteering has come with significant uncertainty about the future so it's nice to have continued support and company in the form of a national squad to look forward to next year.'
Men |
Women |
Aidan Smith |
Alice Leake
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More details on the full squad are available here and you can read more about the GB talent and performance programmes here.