Page 42 - QARANC Vol 14 No 12 2016

40 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Inter-Service
Open Water
Championships
As a person who enjoys keeping fit I was delighted to discover how as a reservist numerous opportunities were available for me to become involved in sport within the army.
I have a passion for swimming and had made a personal goal of competing at the inter service open water championships as soon as my basic training was completed. Boscombe beach was the venue for this year’s competition consisting of a 5k sea swim where I found myself at the start line amongst the finest swimmers representing the Army, Navy and RAF. This event was also followed by a 1.5k swim to decide the 2015 Army open water champions.
The competition was strong as was the weather conditions making this a truly challenging event but I had prepared well and was keen to dive into the chilly waters. To my surprise I finished 3rd army male and 1st in the veteran category, a bigger surprise came when I was asked to represent the Army open water swim team in the upcoming inter service relay competition which involved the circumnavigation of Jersey Island. I jumped at this tremendous opportunity and met with the selected team ready for our departure to jersey on Friday 11th September. A Vin d’Honneur awaited us held in the Pomme D’Or Hotel on Liberation Square St Helier with His Excellency Sir John McColl Lieutenant Governor of Jersey and Lady McColl officially welcoming all teams.
This 41 mile race was last undertaken in 2012 where the RAF took the title and set a new record of 9 hours 26 minutes. This year’s event had additional entries alongside the British Armed forces including teams from Help for Hero’s, local Jersey long distance swim team and the American Air force who had made the journey from the US in order to take part.
The event had massive support from local people and a generous amount of £24,350 was raised in aid of Holidays for Hero’s who provide breaks for service personnel who have been injured in the Armed forces. The following days allowed for regular swims around numerous locations of the island covering distances of up to 5-6 Kilometres per day. This gave us ample opportunity to acclimatise to the sea waters and all the wildlife within it including sea lions and jelly fish and focus on the massive challenge ahead.
Army Swim Team pictured from Left: MUSN Kearsey, Cpl Allcock, Pte Baker, Cpl Ryder, Tpr Greenlees Pte Johnston
Jersey Relay (1) Pte David Johnston (QARANC)
The greatest challenge to all teams, however was Mother Nature and unfortunately high winds prevented the round island event from taking place. Not to be disheartened all teams re-grouped and agreed on a shorter relay competition around the much calmer Bouley Bay on the north coast of the island. The atmosphere was filled with a tremendous competitive spirit as the first of each teams six swimmers set off.
The Army took the lead from the start and as individuals of the squad entered the water in turn an impressive lead grew over all others taking part. The Army swim team finished several minutes ahead of the competition and watched from the bay as the RAF and American Air force battled it out for second and third with the RAF finally catching their counterparts in the home straight to take second. The day ended with an award ceremony held at St Helier Yacht Club where the competing teams received medals presented by Local sponsors Nautilus Trust then finished off with a curry supper hosted by the Army at the Jersey Field Squadrons HQ. For me being involved in British Army sport has provided opportunities to meet new inspirational people and experiences I never thought possible.
I look forward to it again next year and highly recommend getting involved with sport no matter what your ability.
Pte David Johnston 208 Field Hospital
For more info go to www.britisharmyswimming.com or www.army.mod.uk/events/23317.aspx