New Zealand Wraps Up World University Orienteering Championships
New Zealand's team has wrapped up a challenging week of competition at the 2026 FISU World University Orienteering Championships in Vila Real, Portugal, competing against some of the world's best university orienteers across five disciplines: Knockout Sprint, Sprint Relay, Sprint, Middle Distance and Long Distance.
Taking place from the 28 July to 1 August, the Championships began with the fast-paced Knockout Sprint, where athletes navigated the narrow streets and steep terrain of Vila Real. The standout performance came from Felix Hunt, who progressed through qualifying before producing an outstanding run to finish 4th in his quarter-final, narrowly missing a place in the semi-finals in an exceptionally strong international field.
New Zealand then fielded two teams in the Sprint Relay, with the team of Zara Stewart, Felix Hunt, Sam Carver and Alison Power recording the nation's best result of 16th.
In the Individual Sprint, Hunt again led the Kiwi performances with 37th place, while Zara Stewart was the highest-placed New Zealand woman in 34th. The technical sprint course challenged competitors with artificial barriers and complex route-choice decisions throughout the historic streets of Vila Real.
The Championships concluded with the forest disciplines, where athletes faced demanding terrain, technical navigation and hot Portuguese conditions. Competitors tackled both the Middle Distance and Long Distance races, gaining valuable experience against a world-class field.
Throughout the week the New Zealand team demonstrated resilience, adaptability and determination, with several athletes producing encouraging performances and gaining invaluable international experience at university championship level.
UTSNZ congratulates all athletes, team management and Orienteering New Zealand on their efforts in Portugal and thanks them for proudly representing New Zealand on the world stage.
Posted: Mon 03 Aug 2026
