Mapped for Success
August 1, 2025
How Alexandra Edwards’ love of Orienteering took her from school PE to the forests of Europe.
What began as a fun lesson in primary school PE has transformed into an international adventure for Year 11 student Alexandra Edwards, whose passion for Orienteering has taken her from local parks to the forests of Europe.
We caught up with her fresh from competing at the European Youth Orienteering Championships (EYOC) to find out more about her remarkable
journey, her training, and why she believes Orienteering is the perfect sport for anyone who loves a challenge.
‘We did Orienteering in PE in Grade 3/4 and I thought it was so much fun,’ Alex recalls. ‘So, in Grade 5 I trialled for the Darling Downs team and managed to win the Sprint at the Queensland Schools Champs later that year.’ By Grade 7, Alex had earned her first Queensland representative spot. What started as ‘just another fun sport alongside tennis and netball’ soon grew into something much bigger.
Selection for the EYOC team to compete in the Czech Republic was no small feat. ‘All of our national results from the past few months were looked at, like the national league rounds in Newcastle and Bendigo, and our Australian ranking,” she explains. Currently ranked 6th in Australia for Women 20 & Under and 3rd for 18 & Under, her consistent results secured her spot.
This wasn’t her first time wearing the green and gold either. Earlier in the year, Alex represented Australia at the Oceania Championships in New Zealand, her first taste of international competition in stunning pine forest and sand dune terrain. The EYOC experience, held in
Czechia, was about far more than just competition. ‘It was so great to experience the atmosphere at such a big international carnival!’ she says. One teammate’s impressive 4th place in the sprint was a shared moment of pride for the whole squad.
And then there’s the cherished end-of event tradition – swapping running shirts with athletes from other countries. ‘I swapped one of my Australian tops for an Austrian top and also managed to get a German and Spanish shirt, a Denmark singlet, and an Irish jumper,’ she laughs. ‘It’s such a fun way to remember the friendships you make.’
In the lead-up to major events, Alex’s training routine balances physical endurance and mental strategy: one long run, an interval run, an easy run, and weekend competitions, plus strength sessions at the gym. ‘I’m still doing tennis three times a week too for extra fitness and fun!’ she adds. And before EYOC, four days of events in Austria helped her adjust to new terrain.
For Alex, Orienteering’s appeal is endless. ‘Firstly, I’ve been lucky to visit the most amazing places. Every run is a new challenge because no map or area is ever the same.’ But the sport’s real heart lies in its people. ‘Everyone is so incredibly friendly. I’ve met some of my best friends through Orienteering and friends from around the world too.’ Beyond friendships and travel, Orienteering teaches valuable life skills such as perseverance, grit, and problem-solving.
‘It’s not just about being the fastest. It’s a mental and physical challenge, and there really is something for everyone. Some people are better at sprints in urban areas, whereas others are better at longer courses in forest areas. And you don’t even have to compete if you don’t want to! A lovely bushwalk with friends on an easier course is always a nice thing to do on your weekend.’
The coming months are going to be very busy for Alex. After the Queensland Schools Championships, she has her sights set on the Australian Nationals in September. And her longer term dream? ‘I’d love to make the Australian team for Junior World Champs (20 & U) in the next few years. Next year is in Sweden, which would be an amazing experience.’
Wherever the compass points next, there’s no doubt Alex’s love of Orienteering will keep guiding her through many more adventures.
More News…
Congratulations to Year 9 student, Mia Geise, on her outstanding performance at the 2025 Hancock Prospecting Queensland Swimming Championships. Representing Fairholme Aquatics Swim Club, Mia set new personal bests over the holidays in four of her five events and walked away with an impressive haul of medals and records. Her championship results included: > 4 silver medals in the 12-14 Years Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 50m Breaststroke > Australian Records in the Open and 13 Years and Under Multi-Class 100m Breaststroke (SB16 Category) > Queensland Multi-Class Records in the Open 100m Breaststroke, Open 50m Backstroke, and 13 Years events across 50m Freestyle, 100m Breaststroke, 50m Backstroke and 50m Butterfly One of the standout moments of the championships was Mia’s qualification for three open finals, where she competed against some of the country’s most experienced swimmers, including two Paralympians and athletes who have represented Australia on the international stage. In elite company, Mia more than held her own, finishing 4th in the 50m Breaststroke, 5th in the 100m Breaststroke, and 6th in the 50m Backstroke. What makes these achievements even more extraordinary is the context behind them. Mia only returned to competitive swimming in December 2024, following an almost three-year break after undergoing her second liver transplant. Her results at this championship are not only a testament to her talent, but to her resilience, determination and unwavering commitment to the sport she loves. Adding to the celebrations, Mia’s coach Michael (Mick) Winton was recognised for his outstanding work at the Swim Coaches and Teachers Australia Awards, held during the championships. Mick was awarded the 2025 Multi-Class Emerging Championship Coach Award, a well-deserved honour that acknowledges his dedication and leadership in supporting Mia’s development over the past year.
Fairholme Year 10 students Georgie Cussons, Amelia Taylor, Anna Le Lievre and Claire Longmire are making the most of their exciting exchange at Oakham School in the United Kingdom, where they will spend six weeks fully immersed in British school life. From classroom learning and social events to sporting fixtures, the girls have wasted no time settling in and making the most of every opportunity. Also in the UK, Gemma Sullivan has begun an 11-week exchange at Bryanston School, where she is already keeping busy through her involvement in netball and the school’s swim, bike, run team. Cindy Deng is likewise enjoying her time abroad, experiencing the traditions and daily life of Rugby School during her own 11-week exchange. Back at Fairholme, we are delighted to be welcoming international students into our community. Joining us for Term 1 are Sienna Hoffman from Bryanston School and Charlotte Campbell from Rugby School, along with Mei Kawasaki and Rio Usami from Keisen High School in Japan. Each brings a unique perspective to campus life, enriching our classrooms and strengthening the global connections that sit at the heart of the Fairholme exchange program.
We are delighted to welcome Mr Rob Anderson as our new Head of Sport, bringing with him a wealth of experience across teaching, coaching, and sport administration throughout Queensland.
