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The world of triathlon is abuzz with excitement following the success of the RAPTC Triathlon Team over the 2022/23 season. The team have been able to achieve incredible feats, punching well above its size to get six of its members selected for the Army Triathlon Squad, as well as three athletes qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships.
Triathlon is a gruelling sport that demands endurance, strength and an unwavering commitment to excellence. It is a combination of swimming, cycling, and running that tests the limits of the human body and spirit. The athletes who participate in this sport are among the most disciplined and dedicated individuals in the world of sport.
The RAPTC Triathlon Team’s success over the past year is a testament to the hard
RAPTC Triathlon Team photo during the pre- race cycle of the beautiful Cascais coastline
RAPTC TRIATHLON
SSgt (SSI) B Webster RAPTC
work and determination of its members. The selection of six of its members for the Army Triathlon Squad is recognition of their exceptional talent and dedication. These athletes will represent the Army in the prestigious Inter-service events and compete against the best triathletes in the Forces and they are proud to wear the Army strip whilst also flying the RAPTC flag!
Another highlight of the 2022 season was three members of the team qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships by podiuming at the Portugal 70.3 whilst on the RAPTC Triathlon Overseas Sports Visit (OSV). This is a significant achievement and a testament to their hard work and commitment to the sport. The Ironman 70.3 World Championships, which will be held in Finland in Aug 23, gathers the world’s best multisport
Qualifying for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Finland. LtoR: SSgt (SSI) Sam Littlewood, SSgt (SSI) Nerys Jones, SSgt (SSI) Mathew Hanson
athletes to race on a challenging course. Indeed, just qualifying for it is an incredible accomplishment, but the team have high hopes for SSgts Hanson, Littlewood and Jones.
The success of the RAPTC Triathlon Team is a result of the tireless efforts of the athletes, their coaches and support staff. The team’s training regimen is intense and it demands a lot from the athletes. However, the team members have shown that they are up for the challenge.
The team’s success has also inspired a new generation of RAPTCIs who are eager to follow in their footsteps. This is great development for the sport, as it will ensure that it continues to grow and evolve in the years to come.
Post-race photo at the famous Cascais Marina. LtoR: SSgt (SSI) Sam Littlewood, SSgt (SSI) Andrew Buckley, Maj (MAA) Willie Wilson, SSgt (SSI) Nerys Jones, WO2 Danny Woolridge, SSgt (SSI) Mathew Hanson.
DRUG FREE ATHLETES COALITION & WORLD NATURAL BODYBUILDING FEDERATION PRO WORLD CHAMPION 2022
SSgt (SSI) Leeming-Watts first received the Drug Free Athletes Coalition (DFAC) PRO card in
2019 in natural bodybuilding and won her first world championships as a PRO athlete in the women’s physique category. After her success, she then decided to take a 2-year offseason in preparation to defend her title in the Cayman Islands 2022. Now undefeated, SSgt (SSI) Leeming-Watts is a 2 x world champion as a DFAC PRO athlete.
During 2022, there were also other federations which SSgt Leeming-Watts competed in, with the aim to receive another British and World title. At the
SSgt (SSI) Z Leeming-Watts RAPTC
Natural Physique Association (NPA) qualifiers and British Championships where she won both competitions and was awarded best overall female athlete. Her final competitions were held with the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF). A very successful season, she won the WNBF British Championships and received her second PRO card. This then qualified her to compete as a WNBF PRO in Los Angeles. Winning her second world championships, SSgt Leeming-Watts is now 2 x DFAC and 1 x WNBF PRO world champion in the two top natural federations. No other female has 2 x PRO cards and also won 3 x world titles.
SSgt (SSI) Leeming-Watts – NPA Overall winner – Most muscular pose