Zalah masters the map and the movement in orienteering

While some teenagers are still figuring out where their strengths lie, 15-year-old Zalah David has already found hers in a demanding sport, orienteering.

The Brescia House School learner recently lined up for the 2026 Orienteering Schools League and emerged as the overall winner in the junior girls division. Her achievement not only secured individual recognition but also contributed to her school’s overall league victory.

The tournament held across multiple venues across Johannesburg, including HeronBridge College, Helpmekaar Kollege, Delta Park, St John’s College, and Alberts Farm, challenged competitors to navigate their way through parks and natural terrain using a detailed map, locating checkpoints in the correct order while choosing the most efficient route.

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Zalah said she started orienteering because of her love for running and map work. “I started orienteering because I love running and map work [geography], and putting the two together is awesome. Abi Hughes, this year’s orienteering captain, also encouraged me to give it a try last year, and I am so happy that I did. I was so proud of myself and excited to have won.”

Rather than relying more on pace, she said her approach to planning the route was to try to look ahead and plan a route between control points that was faster and less complicated to run.

“There is no sport without its challenge, and my biggest challenge in orienteering is when I’m trying to cover the route with speed, and I lose focus, which can lead to me missing or battling to find a control point. But staying calm, focused and slowing down even if I’m under pressure helps me get a faster finish in the end.”
“But I really enjoyed the events we ran in the parks; Delta Park, Alberts Farm and Huddle Park. The reserves and parks are exciting to run in and give you a proper trail run experience.”

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She credited her teammates for making her sporting journey easier. “The whole team is supportive of everyone else. Our coaches [Tania Winberly and Garry Morrison] have helped to create this environment and are knowledgeable and supportive of us as a team.”

As one of the sport’s rising young athletes, Zalah hopes to inspire her peers to give orienteering a chance. ”I would tell other learners to try it, because it could be a sport that they love and even excel in. Never be hard on themselves if it doesn’t go well, just keep going.

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