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 24 is Vincent Coupat.
Name: Vincent Coupat
Age: 33
Civil status/children: no children, with girlfriend
Residency (town and country): Mathay, frankrike
Clubs represented: Orientation Team Besancon (France), Halden SK, OK Linné, Nyköping OK
WOC-medals: 1 bronze (Relay 2015 Scotland)
WOC-participations: 9 WOC
What do you do today?
I work in a company manufacturing components of roller shutters and I'm in charge of the logistics.
Best WOC memory?
Of course the relay medal from 2015. So much emotions waiting for my team mates Lucas Basset and then Frederic Tranchand. I was feeling good and ran a strong first leg. Then it's just a long wait, lots of stress and finally the big relief and also the surprise to get a medal. I was supposed to run just the sprint at this WOC but ended running MD LD and relay because of injuries. The opportunity was one to remember.
Worst WOC-memory?
I would say the moment of WOC 2016 where after 30' of racing the LD my map got white because of the poor printing quality and was enable to read it. I found 2 controls just following the red line and not having the circle. I felt a bit helpless and even ask a photographer if he had a map… I had to wait for the map exchange later in the race to change it.
What makes the World Championship so special?
It's the races you have prepared for one year or more and you have done a lot of sacrifices to get there. So it's like the end of a big project. It's also a nice moment with the team. You feel the pressure and the excitement of everyone.
Funniest WOC banquet memory?
What happened at WOC banquet shall stay at the banquet.
It's just a good way to end the week and enjoy a party with friends.
Can you tell us a bit how your relationship with the sport has evolved since the beginning?
When I was a student everything was made according to performing in orienteering. When you get older you need to find another balance to stay motivated. I am more relax and detached to sport than before but it doesn't mean I care less. The most important is to find the balance that suits you and enjoy what you are doing.
What have you learned from committing to orienteering that’ll come in handy later?
A lot in sport can be used in the rest of your life, particularly in your professional career : dealing with goals, pressure, commitment, management skills...
How hard did you commit to become as successful as possible, and could you have achieved more?
I tried to live a bit like a pro for some months after my studies were over but at that time I didn't have a very stable life and the balance wasn't good. It is hard to say if I could have done better with different choices. No need to think to much on the past. I enjoyed the whole process.
How is your current status of shape?
Writing this in the airport after Jukola, I can say that I'm pretty tired right now! The shape is going better week after week. Hope it will continue like that to reach its top when it counts the most.
Have you found anything after your career that has been given you as much as orienteering? I'm not done with my career yet, but I think it will be hard to find something that can give you so much emotions. Hopefully I'll continue a little bit longer!
What is your view on Østfold hosting WOC2019, and will you be present?
I'd like to be there to run WOC but the selection isn't done yet. As I lived in Halden some years ago, I can say that I am a bit familiar with Østfold. It's a nice area for orienteering and there is much more to enjoy during the summer as well.
What does it take to become a world champion in Østfold 2019?
I will require precision and strength in the legs to fight against the soft ground.
What do you recommend WOC visitors to experience in Østfold?
I would say a nice barbecue on the shore of a lake.
What do you like best about Østfold?
Its orienteering maps, as every orienteers could say.
