One week to The World Games – many favourites for medals
Posted on | July 26, 2013 | Category: News
In 7 days The World Games orienteering events kick off in Cali, Colombia. We have asked the world top orienteers what their goal is at The Games – and who they think will be the winner of sprint, middle, and mixed sprint relay. Throughout this week we will publish the runners’ answers to these questions:
1) What is your goal at The World Games in Colombia?
2) Who do you think are the biggest favourites (or your biggest competitors) to win gold medal in your class?
3) Who do you think will win the Mixed Sprint Relay?
This time we got answers from:
Matthias Kyburz, Switzerland. Sprint World Champion and overall World Cup winner 2012.
1) After „good“ World Championships without any medal I am aiming for the medals at The World Games.
2) I see the top sprinters like Lysell and Hubmann as the big favourites. But of course there are several other fast guys out hunting the medals. For example Scott Fraser knows now how good the taste of a medal is or Frederic Tranchand is for sure ready for a revenge after the world champs.
3) Most of the teams have four really good runners. So I think it will be a really tight decision at the end. If I have just one nation to mention: I think the Swedish Team is one oft the biggest threats for all the other teams.
Mingyue Zhu, China. Leading Chinese sprinter, 16th in the sprint qualification at the World Championships 2013.
1) My goal is to make a good and stable performance, and be closer to the top than at the World Championships.
2) As Simone Niggli won the World Championships sprint, it will be a tough fight for victory at The World Games.
3) I think it is the Swiss team that will win the relay.
Edgars Bertuks, Latvia. Middle distance World Champion 2012, Long distance bronze medallist 2013.
1) My goal is to do my best sprint terrain performances so far. I have been struggling with my sprint orienteering almost every time I have participated in elite level races. Although I haven’t had much time to do sprint specific training lately, but I think it’s more about my mental abilities.
2) I would bet that Matthias Kyburz is the biggest favourite despite his little struggle during WOC sprint final.
3) I think Swiss team has a very strong start field for this kind of relay, but also Sweden, Great Britain and Denmark can succeed very well. Also Latvia has a team to fight for top 3!
For more information about The World Games, please visit: the IOF’s World Games page, or the organisers’ website.
Make sure you follow The World Games online during 1 – 4 August! We will provide online TV, tracking and live chat. Stay tuned!
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