Isobel Howard’s WOC 2025 Journey
The Orienteering Foundation is pleased to announce the awarding of a grant to Isobel Howard, assisting with her participation as the travelling reserve for the GB women’s relay team at the 2025 World Orienteering Championships in Finland
The grant to Isobel reflects both her commitment and the unforeseen challenges she faced as the travelling reserve for the Great Britain women’s relay team at the 2025 World Orienteering Championships (WOC) in Kuopio, Finland.
Isobel was called up at very short notice to join the team after injuries among other selected athletes meant they either couldn't race at all, or couldn't compete in all the races they were intending to. Despite the challenge of limited public transport options and ongoing Finnair strikes, Isobel made her way to Finland to support the team, demonstrating flexibility and dedication. This was all the more stressful as WOC in Finland came just days after Isobel had been competing at JWOC in Italy in her final year as a junior.
The Foundation’s grant has helped offset the significant expenses incurred, which included flights, accommodation, and onward travel in Finland. Without this support, Isobel would have faced a substantial financial burden, impacting her ability to attend future competitions and training camps. With JWOC just before WOC, later in the season she also went on to compete in the sprints at the European Orienteering Championships in Belgium.
In the end Isobel didn't get to race at WOC, but her experience was invaluable for her development as a junior athlete, providing exposure to the highest level of international competition and supporting her progression into the senior ranks. That involved being around the other athletes during their preparations, supporting them at the races, and experiencing the highs and lows of elite competition alongside them as a team.
The Orienteering Foundation is proud to support talented young orienteers like Isobel, especially in cases of hardship, and wishes her continued success in her orienteering career.