This week’s Legend of the Week is our FWTN coordinator 🔦 Dan Barber! He only started orienteering at uni 😮 and hasn’t looked back since!
Name: Dan Barber
Course: Phd in Databases, 2nd year
Where are you from: Blackpool
When/how did you start orienteering: I started properly in my 2nd year undergrad. Had a great time at the taster in 1st year, went to Big Cheese but then didn’t do any for the rest of the year. During covid the orienteers were the only club still doing something so I went along.
Best achievement in orienteering: Quite pleased with the big weekend just gone, I planned the Saturday for so many people and it went super smoothly so I was happy with that. And very happy with how the FWTN series this year is going. Race related, my team won Scottish Student relays this year!
Most memorable moment in orienteering: I have had some shockers. Maybe just Jukola as it is just a spectacle, pretty amazing. I have been orienteering in amazing places so can’t complain.
Biggest rival: In the past Alex Matthew but now probably Stan as we both don’t run much but can get round a course, he is my best match.
Biggest idol: My flatmate Niamh Hunter for so many reasons (mainly because she said she would give me £20 which is legendary behavior). Good chef, good runner, only annoying sometimes (below 50%) which is good. She doesn’t leave things to soak in the sink in the flat.
What is your hot drink of choice for the interview: Hot drinks are peer pressure no one likes them. Followed by a lengthy discussion about the drink Immy + Niamh invented on a weekend away – H2O-O, Hot water and half orange juice.
Your most listened to song at the moment: Venice Bitch – Lana Del Rey, Oblivion – Tame Impala, Little Italy – Little Comments, Mascara – Sub Urban.
Go to sweet treat: Today I had an oreo slice, everything oreo is so good. But I have lots of vanilla ice cream flavoured protein shake in my bag.
Favourite artist at the moment: Olivia Dean what a legend
Favourite Edinburgh Bus Number: I don’t bus – I have to pay and I’d rather walk or cycle. If I had to pick then any buses that get me to O’Neills.
Pre-race ritual: LGet socks and shoes on, get the dibber compass control description holder. No warm up really.
Most recent google search: The Hoobs because one looks like Charlie Rennie. The one called Groove (see below).
What would you eat if you had one meal for the rest of your life: I would have to say a burrito as you can put different stuff in it.
Favorite place you’ve been through orienteering: not Devilla. Croatia was really nice.
Dream sponsor: Optimum nutrition for constant vanilla ice cream protein shake. Capital Theatre – could go and watch any show.
Favourite thing about EUOC: How well connected everyone is you know, great sense of family without being related as well as connections with other sports clubs in the uni. Generally everyone is friendly. Also weekends away are class.
New Year’s resolutions: I can do pencil rolls. My new year’s resolution which I haven’t started working on yet is to go to sleep earlier but I’m struggling because tiktok is so good.
Favourite karaoke song: Cardholders – Macklemore, everyone loves it.
Confession of the week: When I was a child I used to steal cat food and dog food and put it into the donation bin for animal shelters in the supermarket.
Question from Izzy: Movie Recommendation: In Bruges