Simone Niggli and Merja Rantanen once again champions of their respective series

07 Aug 2024 - WMOC info

The World Masters Orienteering Championships continued with the middle distance finals in the magnificent terrain of Southwest Finland in Sauvo. Simone Niggli and Merja Rantanen are once again champions of their respective series.

Merja Rantanen navigated to victory in the women’s over 40 category by more than a minute to runner-up Anni-Maija Fincke. There was also a familiar champion in the women’s 45 category, as Simone Niggli of Switzerland won her second gold medal of the Games after beating runner-up Inga Dambe of Latvia by almost two minutes.

The world champions in the youngest categories, the 35-year-olds, were satisfied with their performances on the day and the race tracks. “I did a six-minute bum yesterday, so today I had to make better. Orienteering went well, except for some minor twists and turns.” Said Heini Saarimäki, winner of the women’s 35 category.

Fredric Portin, winner of the men’s 35 series, also praised the courses that suit him in particular. “Orienteering went well, except for small hooks. Nice intense orienteering, the course was well designed for the middle distance and the terrain was enjoyable. By the end I was still able to run fast and felt strong, especially on the uphills.”

Women’s 50-year-old champion Yvonne Gunell enjoyed both the track and the terrain. “The orienteering went well, but I was very nervous before the start. I don’t know why I was nervous, but it’s good on the other hand. Then you concentrate better and it also means that the races are important to you. I liked the track and the terrain a lot.”

The oldest participant in the Games, Sole Nieminen in the women’s 95-year-old category, secured herself the second gold medal of the competition week with a confident performance.

The last competition of the World Senior Championships will be held on Friday 9.8. Rymättylä. Then it’s time for the long distance finals.