By: Dan Kekis, Syracuse M.S Public Relations
LAKE PLACID, N.Y.- Defending his title Robert Graham, from Ottawa, Ontario, claimed first place in the Men’s, 21+ ski orienteering race, held at the Scott’s Cobble Nordic Center, in Lake Placid. Graham finished with 1,420 points and the fastest time, 34 minutes, 58 seconds, claiming gold.
Ski Orienteering is a cross-country skiing event. Athletes navigate with just a compass and a map looking for checkpoints throughout the course. The further away the skier is from the starting gate the more points are earned. The skier with the fastest time and the most points wins gold.
Friday’s, Jan. 31, race took place in the evening as skiers wore headlamps to navigate the course. The terrain changes from event to event which makes it the biggest challenge. Skiers had an hour to complete this event. Beyond that, penalty time is added.
Graham has been involved in Orienteering his whole life thanks to his parents for getting him involved, “Both of them were actually on the Canadian National team at one point.”
He claims his success comes from, “Staying focused, because you are moving so fast, you have to stay in contact with the map and know where you are and always anticipate your next routes.”
David Hunter, from Lake Placid, N.Y., director of Ski Orienteering for the Empire State Winter Games, described this sport as, “Going out and finding control points in the forest or whatever as fast as you can, using a map and a compass.”
Adrian Owens of Craftsbury, Vt. claimed the silver medal with a time of 42.03 and 1,420 points, while Eric Kemp, of Ottawa, Ontario finished third. He crossed the finish line in 46.09 and also finished with 1,420 points.
The 45th Empire State Winter Games’ Ski Orienteering continues tomorrow when it shifts over to Mt Van Hoevenberg, also in Lake Placid.