The recent 2022 Beijing Olympics and Paralympics showcased some of the inspiring RAF elite athletes competing in sport alongside their service career.
Lance Corporal Shanwayne Stephens made history piloting the Jamaican team back the Games for the first time in 24 years and being the first Jamaican bobsleigh star to qualify in both two and four-man disciplines at a Winter Games. Shanywayne’s success has inspired the next generation to achieve their own goals through determination and honing their skill.
"Shanwayne epitomises the value of RAF Sport. As a newcomer to bobsleigh in 2015, he has been challenged, extended and developed in his Service and wider life as a result of his sport. Initially alongside his demanding role in the RAF Regiment and latterly as a full-time elite athlete, as he progressed in Jamaica’s selection for the Winter Olympics, every aspect of him as a person has been tested and not found wanting.
He appears to have had great fun too – exemplified by his engagement with a diverse audience, from HM The Queen to his followers on social media and elsewhere. In common with all our Elites athletes, Shan is an inspiration for everyone, from his ‘having-a-go’ through to success on the world stage, as part of the Olympics and our ‘No Ordinary Team’. Brilliant!"
Air Commodore Richard Fogden
Director of RAF Sport
Shanwayne’s journey can be watched on YouTube through the Bob Sled Team Video Diaries.
"I got a taste of the buzz being created because we had so many messages and we loved the Athletes Moments, which was a video call with our families at the end of every run. That was awesome, but when we arrived back in the UK all our families came or the airport having hired minibuses and came together and draped the place with Jamaican flags and banners, so it was a riot of colour when we got off the plane – it was just fantastic."
Lance Corporal Shanwayne Stephens
RAF Gunner
Meanwhile, Corporal Shona Brownlee saw great success in the Para-Alpine sit ski events, producing three excellent top ten finishes. She displayed great courage and perseverance after experiencing several falls during her races.
"When I knew I was falling on my first run, the only thought in my mind was I am not giving up. I did not come here to give up at the fourth gate, I was here for the experience and the only way I could get that was by getting back up and having another run. It’s just been an incredible experience, but it was terrifying at times.
While I was training in Austria, I had a bit of confidence crisis. I really didn’t want to make a fool of myself, which I thought I might being so new to the sport, but now looking back I have three finishes under my belt, and it feels pretty good."
Corporal Shona Brownlee
RAF Musician
Sergeant Gary Smith guided visually impaired Para-Alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick to success on the slopes; helping her become the most decorated Great Britain Winter Paralympian athlete ever.
The duo earned two podium spots, earning a silver medal in the Women's Super-G Vision Impaired race and a bronze in the Women's Super-Combined Vision Impaired. They also finished top ten in both the Visually Impaired Downhill race and Giant Slalom.
"I got a bit emotional at the finish line, as it was a special moment. I have known Menna since 2016 and she did brilliantly to get the silver. I had gone into these games trying to keep nice and calm and it paid off. These are 10 days I will not forget, that's for sure."
Sergeant Gary Smith
ICT Technician
A huge congratulations to our competing athletes success
Read more about their Olympic and Paralympic journeys.
