Athlete Profile: Eric Kemp

What was one of the highlights of your 2016 season?

Racing well at the World Championships after a very close trials was a major relief. Shortly thereafter I ran my best NAOC to date. It was a demanding season.

Which race/races are you most excited about for 2017?

Hands down the Canadian Championships in Ottawa. Racing for a home crowd has a unique way of amping up the pressure. This time I’m hoping to be prepared.

What race/event is on your orienteering bucket list?

Racing Jukkola with my club mates was so fun this year, no need to score it off the list, I’m just going to leave it on.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I can fly in my dreams.

What are some of your 2017 goals outside of orienteering?

Program something great.

What orienteering technique are you currently working on to improve?

2017 is the year of the control.

Tell us about other ways you are involved in orienteering (eg, coaching, mapping, organizing events…)

This year I’m hoping to finish a few big mapping projects started in 2016. Lot’s of good terrain out there still.

What tip would you give a beginner or intermediate orienteer?

If you like computers, learn to play Catching Features. Seriously, Skype me! I’ll teach you.

Describe one of your favourite training exercises.

Mindfulness meditation. It’s a challenging exercise with big dividends if you can find the discipline to do it on the regular.