Finland dominated the women’s Middle Distance Final at the European Orienteering Championships taking all three medals with Heli Jukkola in first, followed by Merja Rantanen and fellow World Champions Minna Kauppi.

Australia’s Grace Elson continued her outstanding form with 37th place in the middle distance final, showing that her preparation for the World Champs is right on track.

In the men’s race it was a return to usual service with Thierry Gueorgiou once again proving that he is the world’s best orienteering technician. There was a popular silver medal to local favourite Martin Sirmais with former middle distance world champion Pasi Ikonen in third.

The middle final proved to be a true technical test in swampy low visibility terrain, even the king of middle distance Thierry Guergiou could not claim a clean run but still did enough to hold on to his crown.

Without any team mates Grace Elson will not be able to continue her fine run of form in the Relay tomorrow but you can be sure that the Australian women will be one of the teams to watch at the World Championships in the Czech Republic in July.