Joseph Burkhead, an orienteering athlete from Michigan, has been navigating his way through the sport since 2005, competing in everything from radio and paddle orienteering to ski orienteering.

His journey has been one of passion and perseverance, overcoming injuries and representing Team USA on the world stage.

Now preparing for the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei, Joseph is excited to return to a city that holds a special place in his heart. We caught up with him to chat about his love for orienteering, his biggest achievements, and what he’s most looking forward to in Taipei.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your sport?

Hi, I’m Joseph Burkhead (Mandarin name: 白知穎 – Bai Zhiying) from Michigan, USA. I’m a husband, father, professional pilot, Air Force reservist, and academic.

I’ve been competing in orienteering since 2005, taking part in local, national, and international championships across different formats—standard orienteering, radio orienteering, paddle orienteering, and ski orienteering. Most recently, I served as the Event Director for the 2024 USA Radio Orienteering Championship.

Beyond competing, I also have a background in media and communications – I worked as a spokesperson and media relations rep for the Salt Lake City Organising Committee for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games.

How did you first get involved in orienteering?

My love for navigation started early. Growing up, I developed orienteering skills through hiking with my dad, scouting, and volunteering in Civil Air Patrol. I also ran for my high school’s cross-country team, but it wasn’t until my late 20s that I attended my first orienteering race. That’s when I knew I had found my sport.

I was immediately drawn to the combination of physical endurance and mental challenge. Orienteering isn’t just about running – it’s about strategy, quick decision-making, and adapting to unpredictable terrain.

Plus, it takes place in stunning natural settings, making it far more exciting than just running laps on a track.

As someone who has competed in various Masters sports events – what do you enjoy about the community and participating in competitions?

Competing in Masters sports pushes me to set goals and stay in peak physical and mental shape. I also love the camaraderie – it’s an honour to represent my club, state, and country while competing alongside athletes who share the same passion.

One of my biggest inspirations is Sharon Crawford, a Masters athlete who proves that age is just a number. She’s been a huge motivation for me to keep moving and competing, no matter what.

You’ve faced some major setbacks – can you talk about overcoming injuries?

In 2015, I was diagnosed with a severe hip injury that required a complex surgery and a long recovery. It was a tough road, but orienteering gave me the motivation to push through.

I remember watching people run while I was sidelined, and it made me even more determined to come back stronger. The thought of getting back out in the woods, navigating freely, was my biggest driving force.

That discipline and commitment helped me make a full recovery—despite the year-long setback, I returned even more competitive than before.

What has been your greatest achievement in sports?

One of my proudest moments was at the 2018 World ARDF (Radio Orienteering) Championships in Sokcho, South Korea. Just a couple of months before the event, I suffered a serious ankle sprain. I worked hard to recover, but I was still running through pain during the competition.

The race was gruelling, and with one last transmitter checkpoint to find, I realised I had lost my map. Instead of panicking, I relied on memory, recalling the route I had mentally mapped out earlier.

I pushed myself to the limit, found the last checkpoint, and sprinted to the finish—just barely making it under the overtime limit. That performance helped Team USA secure a bronze medal at the World Championships. It was an unforgettable moment.

How important is sport to your physical and mental wellbeing?

Orienteering keeps me physically fit and mentally sharp. Studies show that the sport helps reduce the risk of dementia, and personally, I find that it clears my mind and provides a sense of peace.

Whether it’s a race, training session, or setting up courses, I always come back feeling better and healthier.

Another great aspect is that it’s something my whole family can enjoy. My wife and kids join me in orienteering, making it a fun and meaningful bonding experience for us all.

What advice would you give to someone considering Masters sports?

Find a local club or mentor. If your sport is niche, like orienteering, online communities can be a great resource. When I was starting out, I got some of my best advice from an online forum.

Local clubs also provide great opportunities to train, compete, and stay connected.

For those serious about competition, national sport federations have excellent resources on training and support to help athletes perform at their best.

You’ll be competing at the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei – what are you most looking forward to?

I lived in Taipei for two years when I was 19-21, and the experience had a huge impact on my life. The people are some of the most welcoming and kind-hearted you’ll ever meet.

Plus, the food is incredible! Danbing, shaobing, youtiao, doujiang, and those amazing breakfast hamburgers – just thinking about it makes me hungry!

Returning to Taipei to compete is deeply meaningful for me. So much of what I’ve accomplished in life is rooted in the experiences I had there.

When I cross the finish line, I’ll be saying a quiet ‘thank you’ to Taipei for the foundation it gave me all those years ago.

Learn more about the 2025 World Masters Games in Taipei & New Taipei City here.