Meet Eilidh Campbell

Meet Orienteer Eilidh Campbell

Twenty three year old Eilidh lives in Banchory and started orienteering when she was 10. She was part of both the Scottish and British junior squads between the age of 13-18 where she got to train and compete all around Europe. She is now part of the British team and compete at European/ World cups and championship races. Orienteering is a combination of running and map reading where participants navigate between checkpoints in the forest, hills, and sometimes cities as fast as they can without getting lost.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

I always enjoyed running and did athletics when I was younger. So when I first started, orienteering seemed like an even more fun version of running as you got to go off on your own wee adventure in the woods.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

Mar Orienteering Club (MAROC)

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

I injured my knee badly 5 years ago which has meany I can't do as much running as I used to. I've had to change my training to include a lot more other things like cycling and swimming, which was frustrating at first as all i wanted to do was run! Now I've grown to really enjoy cross-training and building up my strength and fitness in different ways, which has had a really positive impact on my performance.

What are your goals for the coming year?

To get selected for GB at the World Cup race in Sweden, and a podium place finish at the Scottish 6 Days event in Deeside.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

More cycling than running! I also try to go orienteering in the forest at least twice a week and I do 4 S and C sessions. It's sometimes hard to fit training around work, especially on a cold dark winter night, but I know that I will always feel better after doing it. My closest friends are all orienteers and runners so the social element of training.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

Determination and resilience.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

I hope to compete in 10 races this year, and more if I get selected for international races.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

If I have a bad race I let myself sulk about it for the rest of the day but then I have to forget about what happened and move on. I find setbacks due to injury harder to deal with, but it helps that I enjoy doing other sports so I can keep training when I can't run.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

Demi Vollering

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Multiple time British and Scottish champion, and competing for GB at international competitions.

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

My love for orienteering and running in the hills and forest!

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Have fun and enjoy whatever sport you choose is the most important thing.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

Getting to use the gyms and swimming pools will be great as strength work and swimming are important parts of my training. It will also be useful to have access to the different sports centres around Aberdeenshire.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Mar Orienteering Club on Facebook, and the British Orienteering news page.