World of O News
– Since I quit the job for Halden SK I have wanted to feel the pressure of working with a team again, the new national coach for Team France, Kenneth Buch, comments the announcement made by the French Orienteering Federation earlier today. With Thierry Gueorgiou continuing on top level for another two years, Buch will be responsible for some of the best orienteers in the world when he starts his new job at November 1st this year.
Buch takes over after Alain Berger who has had a big success with the French Team in his final season as a trainer. Three gold medals at the World Championships on home ground – of them the long awaited relay gold.
Big ambitions for the women
Even if Buch has not even started in the new job, the goals for the job can already outlined.
– Even if I will work along the same lines I have done earlier, it can be big changes for some of the runners when I apply my principles.
– The main goal is to make sure that Francois (Gonon) and Thierry (Gueorgiou) are still on top. In addition closing the gap between them and the next to make sure there are new runners to take over when/if they quit.
– For the women I have big ambitions to increase the level significantly, so that they will be fighting for the medals.
Buch is not planning to revolutionize the way he works – but rather take his methods with him to France.
– Even if I will work along the same lines I have done earlier, it can be big changes for some of the runners when I apply my principles.
Photo: Jens Erik Mjølnerød.
Success story
Even at an age of 32, the Dane has many successful results as a trainer on his CV. With Halden SK he has won Jukola, 10-mila and most of what it is possible to win for an orienteering club. – It feels like we won what is possible to win for a club, Buch comments. Buch was also responsible for the Norwegian Junior Team in the years when they dominated the Junior World Championships in the same way the Danes have been doing the last years. One year as assistant for the Norwegian senior team is also on the job list. In addition he has been personal trainer for Olav Lundanes since he was 17 years old – leading up to the World Championships title in 2010 in Trondheim.
Busy man
The new French National Coach quit the job in Halden to start his Master studies related to orienteering and psychology. While still in the middle of his master studies, he has no fear to take on the job as national coach.
– The job for Team France is a 50% job. In addition I will continue my job as trainer for Wang at 25% and my Master studies is also around 25%.
