No less than 88 WOC medals have been won by runners representing one of the clubs from Østfold. We will present all of them in the build-up to WOC 2019. Number 21 is Elena Roos.
FACTFILE:
Name: Elena Roos
Age: 28
Civil status/children: Unmarried
Residency: Cugnasco, Switzerland
Clubs represented: Halden SK (Norway) and Orientisti 92 (Switzerland)
WOC-medals: Team relay gold 2018, Team sprint silver 2018 and team sprint bronze 2017
WOC participations: 2016, 2017 & 2018
Other merits: WOC sprint 2018 4th place, WOC long-distance 2017 5th place, 6th place in WOC sprint 2017 and 2016, EOC gold medals in team relay and team sprint 2018.
PHOTO: WOC 2018 sprint in Riga
What do you do today?
I’m an orienteer that travels all around the world to train and compete and work part time at a sports clinic and as a sports teacher.
Best WOC memory?
The relay gold last year in Latvia. All three girls in the team had some problems ahead of the race, and we were in fact not sure if we were able to run at all. But we performed well and won!
Worst WOC Memory?
Latvia once again, only this time the long-distance. After a good start my foot started aching, and eventually I had to abort the race. It’s mentally tough to stand off at a WOC race.
What is WOC to you?
The highlight of each season, the one competition all the training is targeted towards. Several hours of mental, physical and technical preparations are put into it.
Funniest WOC banquet memory?
I’ve taken part in three banquets and they were good all of them. After a week of important competitions, it’s nice to celebrate and change from training clothing to nicer outfits.
Can you tell us a bit about how your relationship with the sport has evolved since the beginning?
I started at the age of 11, at first only in local competitions in Switzerland. I eventually competed in national competitions and from there it started escalating. I qualified for EYOC, JEC and JWOC. The first years as a senior athlete I struggled somewhat to develop further but made it to the national team in 2015. Orienteering is one of the most important things in my life.
What have you learned from committing to orienteering that’ll come in handy later?
I’ve learned that you’ll have to work hard to achieve your goals, and that it helps to stick to a good plan.
How hard do you commit to become as successful as possible?
I’m still committed to the task and work hard every day to become as good as possible. Even though I work hard, I could improve by working on my self-esteem and restitution.
What do you hope to do after your career?
After my career I hope to find a nice and challenging occupation, and it will mean a lot to me eventually starting a family.
What is your view on Østfold hosting WOC 2019?
I’m looking so much forward to it. I had a home EOC in 2018, and this will be kind of a home WOC in Østfold. Even though I’m Swiss I’ve been in Halden since I was 19. I’m looking forward to spending even more time there in the near future.
What does it take to become a world champion in Østfold 2019?
That one I’ll use the next couple of months to figure out…
What do you recommend WOC visitors to experience in Østfold?
A waffle at the Høiås cabin in Halden, or any other club cabin. We don’t have those in Switzerland.
What do you like best about Østfold?
Great technically challenging forests.
WOC 2018 Latvia: Relay
WOC 2018 Latvia: Long distance
