Swiss orienteer Simona Aebersold wins sprint world title using self-made virtual map

Simona Aebersold has cemented her status as the world's top orienteer by clinching the gold medal in the individual sprint at the World Championships in Genoa. This victory adds a crucial title to her already impressive resume, which includes multiple world championship wins and leading the World Cup standings.

Facing a unique challenge, Aebersold prepared for the sprint race by meticulously creating her own map of Genoa. Due to the unavailability of official race maps, she employed virtual reconnaissance using Google Street View, navigating the city's intricate alleys and potential hazards. This painstaking preparation, which she meticulously documented using Swiss orienteering map software OCAD, allowed her to visualize the course as if she had already been there.

"It's as if I've already been there," Aebersold remarked about her virtual preparation method. This innovative approach, while demanding and requiring her to set aside her bachelor's thesis, proved highly effective. The sprint orienteering format, which has only been part of the World Championships since 2019, demands rapid navigation through highly detailed urban environments, often incorporating artificial obstacles and multi-level passages that are difficult to discern on maps.

Adding to the success, Aebersold's boyfriend, Kasper Harlem Fosser, also secured a gold medal in the men's sprint event. The couple's dual victories underscore a remarkable performance at the championships. Aebersold, who now resides in Oslo, continues to balance her elite athletic career with her academic pursuits, demonstrating a dedication that has propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport.