RAF Championships 09
RAF Championships - 24 Jun 09
By Flt Lt Ben Trapnell
The Annual RAF Championships were once again held at DCAE Cosford with many of the athletes taking advantage of the sunny conditions to make a firm bid for places in the Inter Service Squad. Although some of the times were slow due to a strong wind on the day everyone had a fantastic time and the atmosphere was at times electric. Participation was the theme of the afternoon with many athletes coming along to have a go. The background of the athletes ranged from seasoned track and field veterans to Hockey and Rugby players with everyone producing the goods.
Overall there were 10 Stations taking part with a multitude of guests competing as individuals from a further 5 Stations, which clearly shows the message that athletics is open to all and fun to be involved with is getting out there.
Amongst the many fantastic performances on the day of special note were the debuts of the following: SAC Tom Harvey in the 800, AC Steve McClachlan in the 3000m Steeple Chase, AC Tyler Antoine in the High Jump and SAC Jamie Davis in the Javelin.
The ladies 200m saw a titanic battle down the finishing straight between Cpl Laura McGawn and Cpl Sam Hodges, with Sam emerging the better on the day. This will surely put the Army on the back foot going into the upcoming Inter Service Championships.
SAC Iain Ashall put in a sterling performance in the 400m running a well controlled and dominate race throughout. The Discus was a close fought affair with Mark Plowman justifying his place in the Inter Services. A packed 1500m field saw Matt Blunden make a rare appearance over the shorter distance showing that he had speed as well as stamina. In the men's 110mH, Greg Dunson showed he still has form running a blisteringly fast time for the conditions which will put him in fine spirits for his attempt to gain the World Vets title later in the season.
There was a fantastic race in the 3000m Steeple Chase between Oz Ellis and Lee Athersmith, with both athletes showing the guts and determination that will surely see them both go under 10mins at the Inter Services. The men's Pole Vault saw a rare victory for Sgt Bob Kingman over Cpl Alex Williams, both having to contend with a temperamental head wind, clearing a seasons best of 4m 30.
The ladies Long Jump competition saw a surprise victory for Fg Off Claire Nixon who just edged ahead of an in form Fg Off Lindsay Gozzard to take a narrow victory. The 800m and 1500m competitions saw Cpl Tamsyn Rutter the overall victor setting a blistering pace from the off that no one was able to match on the day.
The 4 x 100m relays were impressive with DCAE Cosford clawing back RAF Odihams significant lead down the finishing straight to take victory by a hairs breadth.
The afternoon culminated with the presentations which included the Sir Andrew Humphrey Trophy which went this year to Cpl Laura McGawn for all her efforts over the last year and to mark her emergence onto the national scene at Heptathlon. On the day, RAF Odiham proved the stronger team, beating off stiff competition and showing fantastic team spirit in the process. Everyone left happy and it is hoped that many more stations might take up the challenge next year.
