Forth Valley’s Grace Molloy acquitted herself well on home ground by finishing sixth for Team GB in the individual sprint when the World Orienteering Championships were held in Edinburgh.
Grace’s achievement was praised by her club on social media: “A fantastic run for Grace meant she stepped onto the podium in front of a home crowd. She was the top performing Brit in the individual sprint.”
There was also a notable run by Megan Carter-Davies (Swansea Bay) who narrowly missed out on a medal in the sprint knock out final.
The real winner, though, was the Capital as over 3000 fans descended to help mark another successful world sporting event.
Over 250 world class athletes from 45 countries competed and the inaugural ‘WOC Tour’ participation race also proved a huge success, as 1200 people from across the orienteering and Scotland community signed up to take part in multiple events over the course of five days.
Andy Mitchelmore, Event Director, said: “We are absolutely delighted at the success of WOC 2024. I can’t thank everyone enough for making an unforgettable experience. To see so many people come out to watch Orienteering in this fantastic city has been overwhelming. Whether that has been just to watch the athletes, compete in our amazing WOC Tour races or to enjoy the atmosphere, everyone has played their part.
“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our amazingly hard-working staff and all our volunteers who have worked tremendously hard and without whom the event would not have been successful. Also, to all our stakeholders and commercial partners who have played an integral role in bringing this event to life. In particular, Event Scotland, Edinburgh City Council, British Orienteering Federation, Scottish Orienteering Association and the Scottish Orienteering six-day event Company Ltd for their unwavering support.
“The hope is that we have now created a legacy for the sport’s future and helped put orienteering on the map in Scotland.”
Others also praised Edinburgh’s contribution to the event.
Paul Bush OBE, Visit Scotland Director of Events, who said: “Edinburgh has provided the perfect stage for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships 2024. Our capital city has certainly never seen anything like this before as athletes raced through our medieval tenements, narrow and intricate alleys and sweeping landscapes in search of World Championships glory.
“The successful delivery of the Sprint World Orienteering Championships reinforces our reputation for delivering innovative and world-class events “
Depute Lord Provost Lezley Marion Cameron said: “It has been a delight to welcome, and to watch, the world’s best orienteers compete in elite sprint races across our city. Hosting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships has not only showcased Edinburgh to the world but also the wonderful, exciting, outdoor sport of orienteering – the mental and physical skills it involves, and the health and wellbeing benefits it offers participants of all ages and abilities.”
The event has also been hailed as hugely successful in attracting commercial partners across the city and beyond. Many of which provided the base for the event to be a success.
* 1,500 sandwiches were provided by Scotmid Co-op.
* 2,200 snack bars by Nairn’s.
* 4,000 water bottles from Actiph Water.
* 1,500 Sausage rolls were given to the event from PieSports.com.
*Eight kilt sets for ceremonies were also provided by Gordon Nicolson Kiltmakers
* SOS provided all the essential printing requirements for the event and Cullen Property also supported the event throughout.
To see all the results visit WOC 2024. WOC 2024 highlights can be found on www.eurovisionsport.com, the European Broadcasting Union (IBU)’s new free streaming platform and on the IOF YouTube channel.
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