Interview with GB Elite Athlete: CHARLOTTE WARD

Place of Residence:  Belper, Derbyshire 

Experience: When did you start/How did you get into Orienteering?  
“I went orienteering quite a lot as a small child with my parents, but never had the confidence to go out on my own! I probably either clung to my Mum’s leg or simply followed the string around a string course. I left the sport for a few years and started orienteering with a bit more confidence and independence when I was around 16, but really started to enjoy racing during my last year of University in Sheffield.”  

Clubs: What orienteering clubs have you been part of?  
"HALO (Humberside and Lincolnshire Orienteers)." 

Coach:   
"Rob Baker." 

Training Routine:   
“It's hard to write down a routine for my training this year, but in general I would try to do two/three faster running sessions, two strength training sessions, one longer run, and easy things in-between. This year I have turned to road-cycling during the spring, and it has really helped me keep my fitness whilst I haven't been able to run as much as I would like.”  

Race Routine/habits: 
“A good warm-up (running, drills and strides), and a clear focus for every race.” 

Favourite terrain/venue 
“Anything flat and fast! Town centres, housing estates and university campuses.” 

Favourite event in UK /World: 
“Probably the JK as it attracts so many people over the Easter weekend. In the World, the World Cup in China was pretty special.” 

Favourite Pre-race Food: 
“Porridge with raisins, banana, and jam.” 

Other Hobbies: 
“Gardening/growing vegetables, playing with my cat, being outside.” 

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?   
“Worry less.” 

British Orienteering wishes you all the best Charlotte with your final preparations.

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Ahead of the World Orienteering Championships 2022 in Denmark, British Orienteering is posting interviews of the GB athletes selected to compete so that all members can get to know the GB team. Please keep an eye out for these interviews which will be posted on the British Orienteering website this week, and follow all the action live here throughout the World Orienteering Championships which start with the Sprint Relay on Sunday 26 June!

Good Luck to the British Team