Graham Gristwood appointed Performance Pathway Manager

Graham will officially take up the role on Monday 28 September, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge of elite orienteering to the position. He will lead the development of British Orienteering’s Performance Pathway as we look towards 2027 and beyond.

Graham has enjoyed a highly successful international career as a member of the Great Britain team. He first represented Great Britain at senior World Championships level in 2004 and has competed at the highest level of international orienteering for many years. His achievements include winning World Championships gold in the relay in 2008, alongside Jon Duncan and Jamie Stevenson. He has also been a multiple British Champion and has extensive experience of international competition, coaching and supporting the development of the next generation of athletes.

British Orienteering CEO Peter Brooke said:

“I’m delighted that Graham has been appointed as our new Performance Pathway Manager. He brings an exceptional depth of experience, both from his own career as an international athlete and from his work within our Performance Pathway over the past 18 months.

“Graham understands what it takes to compete successfully at the highest level, while also having a strong understanding of the support and development needed to help athletes progress. I’m looking forward to working with Graham as we shape the future of our Performance programme and prepare for 2027 and beyond.”

Graham Gristwood said:

“I am very excited and motivated for this role - having been part of the Programme for so many years as an athlete, with so much support from so many people, I am delighted to be able to help the next generation to the best of my abilities. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Pippa Archer over the past 18 months, and that I will have her assistance during the transition period, and I am very much looking forward to shaping our Performance team (alongside Mark Nixon), and the Performance Pathway over the coming years.”

“We have a number of athletes performing at a very high level, and many athletes with very high potential, and my aim is to both to help these athletes to achieve their targets, but also to provide appropriate levels of support (within our level of resources) to all the athletes in the Programme, and hopefully bring benefit to British Orienteering as a whole.”

Graham’s appointment provides an opportunity to build on the strong foundations already established within the Performance programme, with a continued focus on supporting athletes and developing the pathway towards international success.

We would also like to thank Pippa Archer for her hard work and dedication during her time as Performance Manager. Pippa has made a significant contribution to the programme over the last couple of years and we are pleased that she will remain part of the Performance team throughout October.

Pippa will provide a period of handover and continuity with Graham during October, helping ensure a smooth transition and supporting preparations for the 2027 season.

We look forward to welcoming Graham into the role and continuing to develop our Performance pathway over the coming years.