O-Ringen Magazine, nr 1 2024

Meet our competitors
JANA, IFK GÖTEBORG (PREVIOUSLY OK NJUDUNG) JANNE, OK NOLASKOGSARNA JOHAN, KALMAR OK HELENA, SUNDBYBERGS IK
Competing in: D18 Elite
Competing in: H55
Competing in: H18 Elite
Competing in: D60
How many times have you been to O-Ringen?
– I’ve run O-Ringen twice, in Uppsala and Åre. The competitions
in Uppsala didn’t go so well but it was the first time and it was a
really cool experience! I really enjoyed all the different activities
and meeting up with all my friends. Åre was very beautiful up in
the mountains and it was really fun to run there! The races went
much better than I expected, with one stage win and fourth
place overall. I also had a great time with my friends and club.
What’s the best thing about O-Ringen?
– The best thing about O-Ringen is meeting all your friends and
doing lots of fun activities outside of the orienteering. And it’s
always fun to run in the forest in different parts of Sweden.
What are you looking forward to most at this summer’s O-Ringen?
– I’ll be running D18E, which I’m looking forward to. I’m very
excited. I’ll be travelling a few days before the competition so I
can train on the terrain, which I’m not used to, as well as work on
my compass technique – I think it will be important there.
What experience do you have of this kind of terrain?
– I’ve only run at Oskarshamn once, so I don’t have much
experience. I think the two most important things are compass
direction and reading the contours, as well as having clear attack
points and collecting features, like large hills and marshes, as most
of the stages will be in detailed terrain.
How many times have you been to O-Ringen?
– Oh, tough question. My first O-Ringen was 1978 in Skara, but
let’s say I’ve competed in 29 and helped organise two.
What’s the best thing about O-Ringen?
– There’s so much that’s the best! I like the competition side of
things, visiting new places, and of course the social part with
both clubmates and many other orienteering friends. I also
really like the way it’s so big and that we can gather so many
orienteers in one place.
What’s your best O-Ringen memory?
– I’d still have to say 1978, my first O-Ringen in Skara. It was
big and exciting. But the best single memory was 2018, where
we were organising and were able to deliver a fantastic
week in Önsköldsvik.
What are you looking forward to most at this summer’s O-Ringen?
– I’ve never orienteered in Oskarshamn and the whole concept
looks very exciting. Enjoyable and challenging orienteering, an
O-Ringen Square near to central Oskarshamn and, of course, the
sense of community.
How many times have you been to O-Ringen?
– Just once, last year in Åre. It was exciting for me because
unlike everyone else I hadn’t had any experience of O-Ringen,
plus it was in a new type of terrain for me. But despite a slow
start I was very happy with my 10th place overall.
What’s the best thing about O-Ringen?
– I’d say the best thing about O-Ringen is O-Ringen Square.
You’re from Småland. What experience do you have in this terrain?
– I’d actually say that I don’t know this kind of terrain all that
well. Of course I’m familiar with it but I’m not sure exactly what
type we’ll get. I think it could be more varied than people might
think.
What are you looking forward to most at this summer’s O-Ringen?
– It’ll be really fun to compete as a first year junior and I have
the advantage of living quite nearby, so I can stay at home
during the week.
How many times have you been to O-Ringen?
– I don’t really know – maybe 15, including two of
them as a organizer.
What’s the best thing about O-Ringen?
– All the joy of being active, the mixture of all
ages and so many people.
What’s your best O-Ringen memory?
– That’s difficult – I have a lot. The kids having mud baths at
Hallsberg in 2000, the mountain terrain at Sälen in 2008, or
maybe my first one at Värmland in 1976 – everything was so big!
What are you looking forward to most at this summer’s O-Ringen?
– Going to Oskarshamn, which is such a lovely town,
running in this part of Småland where I haven’t run before,
and meeting friends.
Photos: Peter Holgersson.
8 O-RINGEN MAGAZINE NO. 1 • 2024 O-RINGEN MAGAZINE NO. 1 • 2024 9