Member profile: Andrea Schiwy

Saturday, 8 December 2012

 When did you start orienteering?  I started orienteering in March 1996.  On a freezing wet Sunday up at Risdon Brook.  Anthony and I had been to a dinner party the night before where one of the guests was Jo Mitchell; the Southern Development officer (we used to have employees at OT!).  Jo talked us into coming to a 'Come And Try It' the next day.  We arrived at the event and were warmly welcomed by Sue Mount (I believe she may have had an Australopers membership form in her hand!).  Sue showed us the ropes and was very encouraging.  Anthony and I had 3 year old Stuart in a backpack (he was a weighty boy) and 7 year old Sonia by our side as we set off on a beginners course.  We finished the course, wet and cold, and immediately went out again on a medium.  We were hooked.
 
Who/what inspired you to start?  Jo gave us the nudge we needed and I think the support provided by Sue for our first few events kept us there.
 
What do you do when not orienteering ?  There is other stuff you can do?
 
What is ONE thing you like about orienteering ?  One thing I love about orienteering is that 'there is always next time'.
 
Do you have a goal for your O in 2013?  Yes.  Lots of them.  Beat Sally at Corporate Challenge.  Place in the top third overall in W50 at Easter.  Make the A final of the World Masters Long Distance and Sprint.  Beat Sally again at Corporate Challenge.  Have a faster split time than Jemery (just one!).   Have a clean run in the Aust Champs relay.  Hold onto my dibber.  Beat Sally by so much in the Corporate Challenge that there are tears.  Have such a good run at a State series event that Chris, Sue and Christine look worried.  Learn to keep a cool head when navigationally challenged.  Beat Sally.
 
A piece of advice for newcomers to the sport?  Never follow Jemery.  
 
Highlight/lowlight of your O career? Lowlight:  Sitting on a rock at Mt Kooyara after 2 1/2 hours out in the heat, salt crusting on my mouth, only 2/3rds of the way around my course, and no water in sight.  The tears in my eyes draining the last of the moisture from my body.  Highlight:  My Aust Champs performance in 2012.
 
Favourite/most unusual/most scenic place you have orienteered?  Sprint event in Portugual running around a castle.