Piste of the action

2Lt J Liechtenstein, Irish Guards, who came 63rd in the competition

Report: Richard Long

THE Army’s winter sports stars produced a series of stunning performances on the slopes of Meribel during a gruelling week of competition against their Forces rivals.

With operational commitments taking their toll, the squad recorded some exceptional wins in a number of disciplines at the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships.

WO2 Phil Maddox (APTC) led the charge in a thrilling telemark competition, with his success in the French Alps coming hot on the heels of a close-fought victory in the Army contest just weeks earlier.

Maj Andrew Clarke (RA) held the advantage after the giant slalom and sprint rounds but the officer suffered heartbreak in the classic race when he missed a gate and was disqualified from the event, therefore handing the title to his teammate.

But despite his individual setback Clarke’s efforts on the slopes helped the Service to team wins in all three disciplines in what was a scintillating overall performance.
The impact of operations was particularly noticeable in the women’s snowboarding, with the Army’s top two athletes both missing this year’s action.

But Capt Rachel Beszant (RE) shone on her tournament debut and secured a deserved second place finish in an event that was dominated by competitors from the Royal Air Force.

Her efforts also saw her named the best snowboarding newcomer.

Cpl Kev Clark (REME) was crowned Inter-Services champion in the men’s event thanks to consistent performances in all three disciplines.

Colleague Capt Simon Nicholson (REME) was in close contention throughout but a disappointing run in the slope style saw him finish second. However, their combined efforts saw the men finish as overall team champions.

In the alpine skiing Cpl Annabelle Franey (REME) tasted success in both the downhill and Super G in what was her last competitive event for the Army.
Second place finishes in the giant slalom and slalom ensured she signed off in style in what proved to be a keenly contested title.

A delighted Franey said: “Myself and Catherine Wroe of the RAF have been fighting it out but, luckily, I just managed to beat her to the top spot.”

Despite Franey’s heroics the RAF narrowly beat the women in the race for the team crown.

The impressive Flt Lt Roger Cruickshank dominated the men’s competition to ensure further RAF success but a second place finish from Capt Matt Shepherd (RLC) helped the Army men to team success.

LCpl Karen Abbott-Hull (RLC) was named best female newcomer in the alpine events and Lt Col Jonny Lowe (RLC) was presented with the Delany Trophy in recognition of his dedication to Combined Services snowboarding.

Speaking after a hectic week of competition Lt Col (Retd) Martyn Allen, secretary of the Army Winter Sports Association, told SoldierSport: “I am very pleased with the way in which we performed, especially when you consider the people we had missing.

“We saw some fantastic skiing and it was great decompression for those who have been away on operations.

“It was a really good event.”

Winter stars in Games debut

ARMY athlete LCpl Lee-Steve Jackson (2 Yorks) made history at the Winter Olympics by becoming the first Briton to compete in the biathlon pursuit.

The 29-year-old finished 56th in the 12.5km race at Whistler Park, where he hit two clear shooting rounds out of four in an impressive debut Olympic performance.

“I skied well,” the NCO said. “I was disappointed with my first standing shoot but I picked it up at the end.

“Shooting zero twice in a race builds your confidence. It leaves me in a good position and with plenty of confidence going into my final race.

“I’m in a good position in my head and physically I feel great, so there’s a lot to go for.

“If I get a clean shoot a top 15 or top 20 position in the next race could be possible and I’d be over the moon with that. It would be like a medal to me.”

Jackson started the event in 55th position after a personal best finish in the 10km sprint just days earlier.

He was due to compete in the 20km individual event as this issue went to press.
The Army ace was named British biathlon’s athlete of the year in 2009 and has set himself the target of a top 50 finish in Vancouver.

Bobsleigh star Cpl Paula Walker (R Signals) was also named in the Great Britain squad for Canada and, like Jackson, was making her Olympic debut.

The 23-year-old rubbed shoulders with international sporting legends Sir Clive Woodward and Sir Steve Redgrave during the team launch at London’s Somerset House and was in action on the track late last month.

Before flying out she spoke to SoldierSport about being selected to represent her country and her expectations for the Games.

“First of all I hope to enjoy it,” she said. “But I have set myself the target of finishing in the top ten.

“As a novice, and with this being my first Olympics, it is going to be tough but if I can achieve that I will be delighted.”

The GB2 driver secured her place thanks to a thrilling run at a German World Cup event in December and she has been quick to praise the Service support she has received so far.

“The Army has been fabulous, they are right behind me,” she said. “My colleagues have helped to cover my work and I really appreciate that, I am so grateful.”

Walker was joined in Team GB by Capt Henry Nwume (RAMC), who was named in the squad for the four-man bobsleigh. Vancouver was also his first taste of Winter Olympic action.

The officer has a fine pedigree at elite level and has previously played Rugby Union for Wasps, making the bench at the Heineken Cup and Zurich Premiership finals.

Cool customers

DISABLED skiers have enjoyed another terrific season on the slopes as they continue their charge toward Olympic glory.

The Combined Services Disabled Ski Team took on their able-bodied colleagues in a hectic winter programme.
Sgt Mick Brennan (R Signals), who lost both legs above the knee in a suicide bomb blast in Iraq, travelled to France for the Divisional Alpine Championships.

Racing on mono skis he finished 66th in the individual Super G and was 73rd in the giant slalom, events which boasted a field of 124 competitors.

With the action moving to Serre Chevalier he was joined by Capt Martin Hewitt (Para) and Tpr Stevie Shine (RTR) for the Army Alpine Championships.
The team then travelled to the Inter-Services Snow Sports Championships.

Hewitt, who was shot through the shoulder in Afghanistan in 2007, completed all the races he started in Meribel and was ranked 24th in the combination (Super G and slalom), from a field of 45 competitors.

Brennan finished 31st in the Super G and Shine, who lost his left leg while serving in Iraq in 2007, was 32nd.

Lt Col Mike Quaile, deputy chairman of the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team, said: “In order to race at their current level of competition they have had to push themselves to an extraordinary extent.

“They are all focused on representing their country in the 2014 Winter Olympics.”
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