ONSW is delighted to announce our new NSW Junior Squad coach is Bjorn Mella from our Newcastle club.
Bjorn represented Norway internationally as a junior before injuries put a stop to his competitive career.
After years of sporadic orienteering he has been a regular orienteer after moving to Newcastle in 2000. He has a particular interest in beating the fitter and faster runners when the orienteering and terrain gets difficult.
He is the father of current NSW Schools team member Oskar (both pictured), and has a younger son Tommy also active in the sport.
Bjorn started orienteering as a 10-year-old when orienteering was at its peak of popularity in Norway. He has medals from junior championships in Norway.
The main focus as a coach will be on improving the orienteering skill of our juniors as well as building a social environment that is welcoming and supportive.
"I spent my years as a junior in an environment that offered great opportunities and support for those of us with high ambitions within orienteering. More importantly those years were spend in a great social environment with fun and friendship around competition and camps," recalled Bjorn.
"I hope that with Helen O'Callaghan and Jenny Enderby we can provide that sense of fun, friendship and support to the all junior orienteers in NSW."
We wish Bjorn all the best as he seeks to defend the Australian schools title won in 2019.
Orienteering NSW thanks Rob Bennett for his huge for his efforts in the role over the past few years.
A reminder to all secondary students that nominations for the 2021 NSW Schools team close on April 14.
