FOR almost half his life navigation guru Hermann Wehner has spent his weekends armed with a map and compass racing across rugged terrain in the name of fun.
The retired precision instrument engineer, who used to work at Mount Stromlo Observatory, has been described by his peers as a legend of orienteering in Australia and a pioneer of the sport in the ACT.
And despite celebrating his 93rd birthday in June, the German-born marvel is still competing on the global stage, taking home a medal in the men’s over-90s category at the World Masters Orienteering Championships in Auckland in May.
Orienteering is a competitive sport that combines racing with navigation. Participants follow a course set in a forested (and usually unfamiliar) area using a map and compass. “Anyone is welcome to participate – from 10-year-olds to us oldies,” said Hermann, believed to be the oldest orienteering competitor in Australia.
“Competition is fierce. However, having reached class M90, I do find myself sometimes the only entrant in the class.”
Hermann enjoys being in the bush and recommends the sport to anyone who wants to be “out in the big, wide world, getting some exercise and also lots of satisfaction of having succeeded in something”.
With unpredictable terrain and natural obstacles like knolls, tree roots and rocks proving tricky for even the fittest of competitors, Hermann said he’s had to slow down over the years. It’s now less running and more power walking.
“Naturally, not every time all is smooth sailing. Climbing is limited as much as possible, but is usually necessary, and undergrowth is often a problem, particularly in New Zealand, where cutty grass (toetoe ) is rather unpleasant.
“And at my age I must watch where I put my feet to avoid falling over, hence progress is slower. I just have to accept that my speed in the forest is reduced – often to my disappointment.”
Hermann became hooked on orienteering when he was introduced to the pastime by a colleague when he was 48.
“He said, ‘Hermann, since you like nature and going for long walks why don’t you come orienteering?’ so me and my son, who was nine at the time, went on an event that following weekend.”
Since then, as well as being an avid competitor, Hermann has been a mapper, course planner, event organiser and mentor, with roles in the ACT Orienteering Association and the Orienteering Association of Australia.
Together with his wife, Claire, he edited and published 300 editions of ACT Orienteering News and instigated the annual Wehner Cup, presented to the ACT league champion.
He was also the first person to map Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve in the ACT – a project he dedicated days to remapping recently.
He said that apart from advances in technology – with swipe cards and electronic tags replacing the paper cards and pin-punches at control points along the way – not much has changed in the sport. “You still need a clear head to figure out where to go.”
With nearly 50 years of competing under his belt, this champion shows no sign of stopping.
“If my body lets me go I shall compete in the occasional events for a little longer. I like being in the company of like-minded people, helping newcomers and of course finishing – and perhaps even winning!”
