The Elite

[madmike]

Well Frefall started a storm so what do people think of our elite orienteers?

[RS]

Not sure what an elite is. If it's someone who runs elite courses, then I could be one
I can give you an example if I was asked who I thought was an elite - Oli Johnson - but some of the reasons would not apply to others who call themselves elite.eg outstanding orienteer, modest, all-round nice guy who helps out at all levels and jobs and is very approachable and polite (won't go on as I might have to add big-headed after this description, but I doubt it )

[NFKleanne]

I agree, don't know who the elites are!!!! If I do know any they do not fall into either of the categories mentioned in the other thread.

They are in the same ranking table as me, so therefore, they are just as friendly as I am, but shed loads faster, and fitter!

[Gnitworp]

madmike's Elite. He omitted to tell you he spent 3 hours chatting with Ben Livesey at the waterpoint!

[andy]

'Elites' are those who invest the time and effort to become the best orienteer they can be. If that means sometimes appearing as selfish to a select band of people then so be it. If it gets them closer to their goals then why not? Each to their own. Gives us something to cheer about

I run elite courses (sometimes) but I wouldn't call myself an elite orienteer!

[andy]

Also, as with a lot of polls, there aren't enough options to actually select anything becuase they are too specific.

[EddieH]

Our elites encompass a wide range of personality. Few if any could be described as primadonnas - let's face it the sport is not high enough profile.

They work one hell of a lot harder than many elites did when I joined the sport. Most are very friendly and approachable, but those that think they are stand-offish probably make no attempt to speak to them and it is unlkely that there is any particular reason for obvious commnication in the other direction.

I think the elite scene is a massive bonus to our sport - it just saddens me when people that don't know or care about their activities slag them off when they don't even know them.

[Lucy.F.]

As a member of EUOC for 4 years I've obviously had a lot of contact with many whom I would call elites. I am racking my brains to think of any that I could possibly label as selfish - I can think of none. Maybe there are some in the o' community, but also equally any who may get labelled as more selfish probably do things most of us don't know about - many of ours do coaching when required (schools and squads).

And elites are important for giving the rest of the orienteering community something to aspire to. They do work incredibly hard and those I know always amaze me at how much they manage to fit in.

Maybe I'm biased. But that's my personal opinion. And I'm incredibly happy to have met some wonderful people in euoc, many are 'elites'.

[Freefall]

If I tick "Dedicated Athletes who set an Excellent Example" will my post remain anonymous?

[madmike]

Your secret will be safe Colin