Who are you, where are you from, and what do you do?
I’m Anna, I’m 23 yo and I come from Primiero, a small valley in Trentino (north of Italy). I’m a nurse and I’m currently doing my master’s degree in nursing science in Bolzano.
Who are the members of your family?
I am an only child, although I have to admit that I always wanted to have an older brother. Regarding my parents, my mum no longer runs orienteering, on the other hand my dad is still really into racing and has a huge passion for orienteering.
When did you start orienteering and how?
I have a picture of me punching a control and I was smaller than the control pole, so I’ve been orienteering since I can remember. I did my first “race” together with my mum at the age of 6. Orienteering is the home sport so starting was a really natural thing.
What is the best thing about orienteering?
It’s difficult to choose the best one! But I think visiting many different places or terrains and travelling a lot all around the world.
In what terrain did you orienteer for the first time?
It was a map here in Primiero called Valpiana (literally flat valley – nothing flat there though).
Is there a particular orienteering terrain that has stayed in your memory?
I remember the Lukkari-Jukola 2022 terrain in Mynämäki very well. Perhaps the fact that it was my first Jukola helped to keep it in, but I remember that in some parts of bear rocks during the race I thought “wow how cool it that?”.
How did you get involved with LS-37’s activities?
A couple of years ago Stefu told me that Minna was looking for an Au-pair for the summer, so I jumped at the chance. I spent a summer between Lahti and Heinola and thanks to Minna and Sipe I was able to participate in various competitions, while enjoying one of the hottest Finnish summers ever
What other sports have you practiced or are you practicing?
I competed in cross-country skiing up to the junior category but I’m still skiing a lot, also because I think it is the most beautiful sport in the world (almost more than orienteering!!).
Which clubs have you represented?
US Primiero and LS-37.
Have you had any coaches?
I’ve had different coaches when I was xc-skiing, but I had always the same one for orienteering.
Your nicest sports memory?
Difficult to choose one once again. Probably the whole first training camp after Covid-times. It was in Sardinia and I remember I had so much fun. Also the terrains were really nice there.
Your favorite training?
Long o-runs or hikes up in the mountains during summer.
Your greatest achievements of all time?
EYOC 2018 long distance race in Belarus where I got a totally unexpected 8th place, but also when I won my first national title in the elite class as a junior in the middle distance, not much for the result, but because I remember I ran really good, both technically and physically in an extremely challenging map.
Have you suffered from any injuries?
Almost no injuries until this year (not even a twisted ankle), but I’ve been now struggling with some hamstring’s problems.
Have you taken a break from orienteering? If so, why?
Actually not.
Baseplate or thumb compass?
Thumb, never tried the other one.
Middle or long distance?
Long
How do you spend your free time?
I really like to ski during winter times or just go in the mountains with my friends. I’m also trying to get better at gardening.
Have you been involved in associations or held positions of trust?
I really like to volunteer in my sport club’s activities.
Describe yourself in three words:
Sincere, organized, reserved
If you were an animal, what would you be?
If I were an animal, I think I’d be an owl: quiet, observant, always watching from the sidelines and processing everything carefully
Favorite school subjects?
German and english
What new skill(s) would you like to learn?
Climbing, I live in a paradise for rock climbing but never really had the chance to become good at that.
Where do you get inspiration?
From Marit Bjørgen and Therese Johaug, they never gave up.
What would be shown on your own TV channel?
All kind of sports, good movies, TV series and good humor
What personality trait are you not particularly proud of?
Sometimes I get angry too easily
In my opinion (continue)…
…we should all try to smile more and be kind to each other
You didn’t know this about me:
I played saxophone for many years
What has been the highlight of this week?
Passing a difficult exam at the university
Have you ever had detention (and why)?
No, and I hope to never end up there! But during Covid time in Italy you couldn’t even go out for a run, I was out running anyway in the forest and the police chased me. Funny to think back at it now.
What is your most recent cultural experience?
Some museums a couple of weeks ago, I wish I had more time for some culture though!
What kind of person do you try to be?
I try to be the quietest and chilliest version of myself and a person who is happy and aware of how lucky she is.
What is your unhealthiest enjoyment?
Eating many “Kinder milk slices” when I’m down in the dumps.
Have you sung karaoke (and which song)?
Of course, I love it ahahah! Actually many songs, but my favorite artist for karaoke is Vasco (Italian songwriter).
What was the last thing you were complimented on?
I made some pizza-dough that was apparently one of the best I ever baked ahahah.
What last made you lose your temper?
Some project work at the university for sure.
A dream you intend to fulfill?
Visit Australia and New Zealand.
Complete the sentence: Even though I’ve always wanted to, I’ve never…
…applied for a job in Norway.
What is the best way to spend a summer day off in Primiero?
For sure have a nice day out in the mountains, put your legs into an icy river afterwards and then eating some gelato or sipping some beers.
What is the downside of living in Primiero?
It’s a really small valley and everywhere is too far away.
Question from the previous ”Face of the Month,” Hermanni Latonummi:
Do you have a nickname, and if so, where does it come from?
Somebody calls me “Prady”, it’s the abbreviation of my surname and my classmates gave it to me during high school.
What comes to mind from the following words:
Cold – winter
Silence – dark
Spring – flowers
Storm – excitement
Snow – best skiing ahead
Love – beautiful
Hot – sweat
Time – not to waste
Bear – danger
Equality – women
Mental landscape – dreaming
Poem – boring