Close to 80’000 people watched live on the Swiss German TV SF2 the triumph of the Swiss women relay last Saturday. The second live retransmission from the World Orienteering Championships in Lausanne had more followers than the first one, a week ago for the Sprint finals.
Swiss and Czech Republic with Gold
The World Orienteering Championships 2012 in Lausanne ended with the victory of the Swiss relay in the women’s race, while by the men the Czech team came as a surprise. Simone Niggli took advantage of this last day to win a third gold medal at the WOC 2012 and the 20th world title of her career. The Czech runner Jan Procházka took the best in the final meters of the men’s race over Lundanes (NOR) and Holmberg (SWE), to offer Czech Republic its first gold medal in relay.
Two splendid world champions in long distance
The last but one event of the World Orienteering Championships in Lausanne allowed Simone Niggli-Luder and Olav Lundanes to flaunt their talent. These finals, which take place in upper Lausanne, gave many athletes the opportunity to run for a second medal at the 2012 WOC.
Latvia and Finland in the spotlight
The favorites of the day, Simone Niggli-Luder (SUI) and Thierry Gueorgiou (FRA) both finished off the podium. The Finnish Minna Kaupi dominated the race from start to finish and claimed her 9th world title. By the men, Edgars Bertuks offered Latvia its first gold medal at a World Championship.
A Swiss triumph for the opening day
With her 18th World title for Simone Niggli-Luder and the three Swiss on the podium by the men, this first day of the World Orienteering Championships was perfect for the Swiss Team. Yesterday, during their press conference, the Swiss Team announced an ambitious seven medals campaign during this WOC 2012. After the Sprint finals, it looks like they can even expect more.