Matt Ogden
The kiwi legend ! (JWOC gold medal in 2012)
How do you use Catching Features in your training for real life orienteering?
In most sports simulation through visualization is imperative to training the mind and enabling “performance on the day”. Fortunately for us orienteers, we can do a number of activities to achieve such outcomes. For me, catching features is one of these activities. Once the hurdle of simply playing the game is overcome, you can readily develop your technical abilities at a much higher intensity than you face in “real” orienteering.
Do you think CF is a good alternative of orienteering training during the lockdown ?
Absolutely, its a great way to maintain social connections with other orienteers during these challenging times. Here in NZ we have been having regular weekend events, in some cases with live streaming!
Do you have any tips for newcomers in CF?
I play first person to make it more “realistic” and means I am not getting distracted by the strange looking avatar.
What is your biggest achievement in orienteering?
It’s hard to look past the JWOC gold for any single result, but I think being part of a wider story of kiwis doing well on the world stage brings me the greatest satisfaction. Seeing Tim Roberston’s WOC silver medal (as close as you can probably get to gold) and being there to watch in person was very special.
Thank Matt, we wish you the best with kiwis and hope to see you racing in Europe soon 😊
Follow him = https://www.instagram.com/mogd001/