Imagine racing through a deep forest, a map in one hand, a compass in the other, your mind sharp as you navigate unfamiliar terrain. Welcome to orienteering – a sport that is both a physical challenge and a mental puzzle, transforming the great outdoors into an adventure playground. Packed into a race where every turn tests your endurance, strategy, and instinct, orienteering is as thrilling as it is rewarding. It’s a sport that demands not only speed but also the ability to think on your feet, making every course an unforgettable experience. 

In the following video, we meet Xènia, a passionate exchange student from Spain studying at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, Canada. Orienteering has been a part of Xènia’s life since childhood, shaping her as both an athlete and an adventurer. From her childhood adventures to competing in the Junior World Orienteering Championships, she has mastered the art of blending athleticism with quick thinking.  

Xènia’s story is a reminder that orienteering is more than a sport – it’s a thrilling escape and a community that spans the globe. Whether you’re a skilled competitor or someone looking for a new, dynamic challenge, her experiences will inspire you to pick up a compass and start your own adventure.  

Press play and get ready for an adventure full of trails, triumphs and the unbreakable human spirit!

Sources:
X. Ledesma Buscart, personal interview, November 22, 2024

New York Times. (2015, July). Running Wild: Orienteering | The New York Times
https://youtu.be/H3TLmTNOb5E?si=aGEYWq332De5EnNx

Göran Winblad. (2018, March). TOVE ALEXANDERSSON | ORIENTEERING IN SPAIN | GPS ORIENTEERING VIDEO
https://youtu.be/Q_yitYOdK0M?si=pc_56S-gzsIGz_0Z