Presentation: Simone Niggli

Probably one of the biggest setbacks for Simone in her career – but it might have given her that little extra she needed for the Long distance two days later?

In 2007 Simone Niggli was close to unbeatable – with victory in 8 of 10 World Cup races – taking two Gold medals in the World Orienteering Championships. She took a break in the 2008 season after giving birth to her Malin – and Simone and everybody else where curious to see if she would be able to get back to the top. The Swiss star was far from unbeatable at the start of the season – coming back from the Nordics without any medals for the first time since 2003.

Niggli used the remaining months towards the World Championships in Hungary wisely. Already at the World Cup races in Oslo in June she climbed up to the podium – taking a third spot. During the World Champs, she continued her climb back to the top, taking Bronze medals in both the Middle and the Sprint.

At the second last day of the World Champs in Hungary her team mates served her a perfect position for a Gold medal – or at least a medal – in the Relay. In the end she lost the fight against Marianne Andersen, Helena Jansson and Minna Kauppi after searching for a well hidden control for minutes – and Switzerland ended 4th. Probably one of the biggest setbacks for Simone in her career – but it might have given her that little extra she needed for the Long distance two days later?

The WOC Long distance belonged to Simone. She caught Minna Kauppi quite early in the course – just before the butterflies – and after the “spreading” in the butterflies they were together again. They run together for the remainder of the course – and came to the finish as number one and two. Simone was back at the top!

And if that wasn’t enough: Niggli also won the two last World Cup races on home ground in October – winning the overall World Cup as well!

Nominated for:

A fantastic comeback this year with World Championships Gold medal over the Long distance and overall World Cup victory after giving birth to her child. Also: Two additional medals at the World Champs this year – Bronze in Sprint and Middle.

Specializing late

Simone Niggli did not have a lot of focus on orienteering training when she was young. She did many different sports (Volleyball, Skiing, Swimming, etc.), and did not start writing down her training until she was admitted in the regional team at the age of 15. At this time she only went running once a week. Since then she has gradually increased her training. Niggli did not start concentrating on orienteering until she got into the national junior team at the age of 18.

– This way I could increase my training gradually – I think this has helped me on my way to success.

Ready for Trondheim

Simone Niggli has done a lot of good races in Scandinavian terrain – but she has not been as dominating as on the continent. Next year the World Orienteering Championships is in Trondheim, Norway. Simone’s current project: – Make Trondheim feel like home. Below you can see some of her preparation for the Championships next year:

• Corridor training, Trondheim area
• Route choice training, Trondheim area (- Marshes were wet, but still they were fast)
• Relay, Trondheim area

You can find 195 (and counting) of Simone Niggli’s maps (many of them with her route choice) at Omaps.worldofo.com.

Can Simone manage to take another Gold medal in Trondheim next year? The Trondheim championships next year will definitely be a new and interesting challenge for Simone!

Event sponsor: Nordvestgaloppen

Nordvestgaloppen is a popular event in Western Norway. The event is known for its mix of interesting orienteering with wonderful nature between fjords and mountains. Nordvestgaloppen 2010 is organized from July 14th until July 18th – this year it can provide a good stop ahead of WOC 2010 in Trondheim for many of the competitors.

• Among the Lucky voters, 2 transferable starts for the complete Nordvestgaloppen 2010 will be drawn.
• See Nordvestgaloppen webpage for more information about the event