12-05-2025
Brescia's Arwen Terblanche strikes gold at national orienteering champs
Arwen Terblanche, a matric learner at Brescia House School, claimed a remarkable gold medal at the South African Orienteering Sprint Championships, held in George on May 4.
Competing in the fiercely contested Women U20 category, Arwen navigated her way to victory with a blend of physical fitness, mental focus, and tactical decision-making. Orienteering is a unique sport that challenges both body and mind, requiring competitors to move at speed while navigating a course using only a map and compass.
'A lot is happening at once, you are reading the map, planning your next move, and keeping your pace up. I was in the zone and nothing else mattered in the moment except the race.'
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She said, despite tough competition and unfamiliar terrain, she thrived in the cool, slippery conditions. 'It was colder and wetter than I expected, and I had never been to George before. But I knew I had to give it my best. I made a really good route choice at one point that gave me a big advantage, which was a defining moment in the race.'
Arwen added she had entered the event simply to gain experience but surprised herself.
'I was shocked. I didn't go there expecting to win. I just wanted to enjoy the event and see what national competition was like.'
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She added she was a member of the South African Junior High Performance Squad. 'Balancing training with matric is tricky, but I find that exercising helps me focus better when I am studying. Luckily, most competitions are on Sunday mornings, and my family is incredibly supportive; they even take part in some of the events.'
Arwen credits orienteering with teaching her essential life skills. 'It has helped me learn to multitask, adapt quickly, work under pressure, and perform in challenging conditions. The muddier and bushier the course, the better I seem to do.'
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She said she was inspired by her father, who introduced her to the sport, and hopes to qualify for the Junior World Orienteering Championships in Sweden next year.
'Orienteering is still quite unknown in South Africa. But it is fun, it is challenging, and there's always someone there to help you get started.'
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