Year 11 Xavier has made a great start to his European campaign, claiming a podium finish in Italy ahead of the European Youth Orienteering Championships in Slovenia.

Xavier has begun his European campaign in impressive fashion, representing New Zealand alongside the national team in northern Italy before the start of the 2026 European Youth Orienteering Championships (EYOC) in Slovenia. 

As part of the team's preparations, Xavier competed in the three-day Consiglio Orienteering Competition, delivering an outstanding performance in the Under 16 Boys division. He won the middle-distance race and finished third overall across the three-day event, providing an excellent lead-in to the championships.

Following the competition, the New Zealand team travelled to Slovenia for two days of training. With temperatures reaching around 35°C, the European summer heat has added an extra challenge as the athletes prepare to compete against Europe's best young orienteers. The European Youth Orienteering Championships begin with the sprint event in Nova Gorica, followed by the long-distance race through the karst hills and forests of Lokve before concluding with the relay event.

Congratulations to Xavier on this outstanding achievement. We wish him and the New Zealand team every success at the European Youth Orienteering Championships.