Chengdu: Switzerland's Riccardo Rancan secured the first gold medal of The World Games 2025 by triumphing in the men's middle distance orienteering event. Rancan completed the course in 45 minutes and 22 seconds, marking a significant achievement in the absence of traditional orienteering powerhouse Norway.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Swiss team was seen as a strong contender in orienteering, a sport that originated in Sweden over a century ago and involves navigating unfamiliar terrain using only a map and compass. Rancan, 29, is a semi-professional athlete who balances his sports career with a part-time job as a robotics engineer.
Rancan began his preparation early in the year after learning about his selection for the Games six months ago. He expressed satisfaction with his acclimatization to Chengdu's hot and humid conditions, which he managed by arriving three days before the competition.
In an interview with Xinhua, Rancan shared that he maintained a steady pace throughout the race, aiming not to start too fast. He expressed surprise and honor at winning the first gold of the Games, especially considering that middle distance is not his strongest discipline.
Rancan also highlighted the impressive organization of the event and the large crowd, which was unexpected for him as orienteering events in Switzerland typically draw smaller audiences. He noted that orienteering, although a smaller sport compared to athletics, is well-known in Switzerland due to its inclusion in school activities.
Orienteering was officially recognized as a World Games sport in 2001, with Switzerland historically performing well, having claimed 10 out of 26 gold medals awarded in the discipline. Rancan emphasized the sport's unpredictability and the challenge of maintaining focus throughout the race.
Balancing his dual roles, Rancan appreciates the flexibility of his job, which allows him to prioritize sports when necessary. He credits his participation in training camps and diverse terrain races for enhancing his map-reading skills and adapting to different course designs.
The orienteering competition in Chengdu spans three days and includes five events, with 80 athletes from 24 countries and regions participating. Rancan plans to use his rest day to visit local attractions, such as the pandas, while reflecting on the positive experience at the Games' opening ceremony.