Julian Dent was the leading Australian performer in the World Championships long distance today. On a physically and technically demanding course, a consistent run saw him in 35th place. Olav Lundanes of Norway took an impressive gold medal, catching the three runners ahead of him (including two of the favourites, Swiss duo Daniel Hubmann and Matthias Kyburz) on his way to victory. Thierry Gueorgiou’s fast finish saw him squeeze Hubmann out of silver. Timo Sild of Estonia, well-known to South Australian orienteers, was in front at times after a very fast start and looked a good chance for the podium most of the way, but faded late to finish 10th.

Tove Alexandersson took her second individual gold medal of the week. She had to work had for it, as the duo of Natalia Gemperle and Judith Wyder held sway most of the way, but some wobbles by them in the second half combined with a fast finish from the Swede saw her take the last in the last few minutes of the course for a 26-second win. Gemperle also got her second medal of the week, a silver, ahead of Anne Margrethe Hausken Nordberg, with Wyder fourth. Both Australians found the going tough, with Jo Allison losing time in the final loop to finish 45th, and Natasha Key 52nd.

Further information is available on the WOC website.

The Championships conclude with the relay on Saturday.