Knarston (18), a first-year food science and human nutrition student at the University of Otago, is the only female included in the seven-strong New Zealand team for the world championships in the Czech Republic in July.
She is also a member of the New Zealand team competing at the world junior championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, in late June.
Two other Dunedin students will also be competing at the junior championships - medical student Tessa Ramsden, of Wanganui, and surveying student Jack Vincent, of Hawkes Bay.
Knarston made her international debut at the world junior championships in Australia last year when she finished 16th in the long-distance event and 19th in the sprint.
Accurate map reading is essential in orienteering and Knarston has mastered this skill.
"The key is to stay cool and concentrated,'' she said yesterday. "It then comes easily. Once the race starts, I don't think about anything else except what I'm doing.''
She is coached by James Bradshaw and spends nine hours a week training.
"I'm aiming for the top 10 this year,'' Knarston said. "It's very hard to get into the top six for a podium finish.''
Knarston does not have great hopes for a major place in the senior event. But it will be valuable experience for next year's junior championships, where she will be seeking a podium finish.
Scandinavia is the stronghold of orienteering and it will be valuable experience for Knarston to compete in the hot bed of the sport in Sweden.
"I'm hoping to improve my results from last year,'' she said. "But it will be my first time in Europe and I'm not going to put too much pressure on myself. It is more a learning experience".
Knarston started the sport two years ago when she was a pupil at Epsom Girls College in Auckland.
"During my school years, I dabbled in just about every sport and it was through school that I got into orienteering,'' she said.
"It meant a day off school, which also meant I missed a science test. I've been hooked.''
New Zealand is sending a team of seven, including a full complement of six men, to this year's senior world championships in the Czech Republic on July 10-20.
Knarston will be contesting all three disciplines at both championships - sprints (3km), middle distance (4-6km) and long distance (6km to 13km).
New Zealand team;
Women: Greta Knarston (Counties Manukau).
Men: Michael Adams (Canterbury), Chris Fern (Canterbury), Neil Cherishing (North Shore), Mark Lawson (North Shore), Ross Morrison (Hawkes Bay), Thomas Reynolds (North Shore).
Manager: David Stewart (Auckland).
