For Daisy McNamara, this year has marked a big step in her orienteering career. In her first year as a W21, she made her senior international debut for Great Britain at World Cup 3 in August. Just a few weeks later, she was back on the international stage, competing at the European Orienteering Championships and World Cup 4.
With her senior international career only just beginning, Daisy found herself racing against some of the best orienteers in Europe; an exciting introduction to senior-level competitions. We caught up with Daisy to hear what this experience was like, how she prepared for the races, and the role EUOC has played in her journey so far.
What was it like finding out you’d been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Orienteering Championships?
"I really wasn't expecting it, but I'm very pleased that I got to go!"
What was your favourite moment from the whole experience?
"Running the last loop of the relay with Grace Molloy. She hadn't had her best race but it was a really nice confidence boost running alongside (and then being dropped by) the best in the country. And it was also just a really nice week with such a lovely team of people."
What was the atmosphere like being surrounded by some of the best orienteers in Europe?
"Insane! The mass start on the relay especially was really cool, as well as seeing everyone in quarantine with their different race preparations."
What was the most challenging part of the experience?
"Keeping calm when it went wrong. It was very easy to get stressed because it's a big event but at the end of the day it's all for the experience."
How did you prepare in the run-up to the races?
"Lots of training in the forests nearby in the few days before the event started. I also competed at Coasts and Islands for 'training' the week before."
What did you learn from competing at an event at this level?
"There is so much to learn and so far to go! There's also such a variety of areas all around the world and the best athletes are so adaptable. Everyone is also seriously fast through dense forest."
Daisy’s route to the senior international stage started well before her GB debut. For her, joining EUOC was a major turning point in her orienteering.
What role has EUOC played in getting you to where you are today?
"EUOC completely changed my orienteering. Although I orienteered before coming to university, the nearest club was a bit of an effort to get to and it wasn't the biggest club so trainings were difficult to attend. I only wanted to go to university for the orienteering and I only wanted to go to Edinburgh because of the orienteering club (although my degree is fun as well)."
What would you say makes EUOC special?
"It's such a lovely community of people, everyone is so supportive and there's lots of friendly competition."
How do you balance university, training and racing?
"I'm trying to have a better balance this year as for the last few years training/racing has taken priority. EUOC trainings are always a highlight in the week though so there won't be any compromise on those."
What advice would you give to someone who is where you were five years ago?
"Five years ago I was in the middle of a three-year period of on and off injury and was so excited to be selected for the Scottish Junior Home International team. I would never have though I could be running for Great Britain by now. Anything is possible if you want it bad enough!"
📷@2026eoc / Rob Lines
EOC results can be found here: https://eoc2026.lt/