Page 159 - AGC_Journal 2018(FINAL)_Neat
P. 159

AGC JOURNAL 2018


 Athletics




 By Warrant Offi  cer Class 2 David Branfoot

 Corps Athletics off er training for all abilities as well
 as the opportunity to compete for your Branch in
 the Inter Branch Championships and for the Corps
 in the Army Inter Corps Championships.  All we
 need from you is some of your time, enthusiasm
 and willingness to learn from our top level
 coaching staff .                                                                          Cypriot National Coach
                                                                                          with David Branfoot



 as fi nishing fourth in the 3,000 metres.  Alongside the
 familiar faces of regular competitors, many talented
 newcomers were identifi ed. The competition encouraged
 entry from novices, who had the opportunity to compete
 against and learn from members of the Army team.

 Warm Weather Training
 The team training camp to Cyprus was run for the
 second successive year.  In addition to arduous training
 in the baking sun there were also plenty of team building                                  Eugene Steneberg
 and recovery periods that made the trip very enjoyable.                                    giving instructions
 The team enjoyed a talk from the Cyprus National
 Coach, which was followed by a successful question and
 answer session.  The session provided huge amounts of
 knowledge for the team on training and answered many
 questions on why certain activities are done and to
 dispel some training myths.
 The team
 training in   The Larnaca Athletics Club again provided facilities and
 Larnaca  coaching staff  to enable daily sessions on technique and   Cyprus Camp
 athletic development.  Whilst the training was underway   Jumps Squad
 in Cyprus Lance Corporal Natalie Walker from the local
 Training For All  unit detachment was identifi ed as an athlete and joined
 the training squad.                                                                       Deven McInniss
                                                                                           chasing the leader
 In April and May 2018 the Corps Athletics staged well
 supported and successful free training sessions for   Camp facilities are excellent, providing many shops
 athletes of all abilities.  These training sessions were   and food outlets, as well as the beach and local traders
 coached by well respected and eff ective military and   within a short walking distance.  Away from the training   determination fi nished as runners-up to the
 civilian coaching staff .  Training was provided for sprint   schedule, the team enjoyed the opportunity to visit the   Army Medical Services, the fi rst time our team to
 events, 400 metres, 800 metres, middle distance events,   Capital, Nicosia, and cross into the Turkish sector of   podium for over ten years – Well Done.
 throws, long jump and high jump. The training focussed   Cyprus in the north, for culture and shopping.  A team
 upon improving the individual’s knowledge of training   meze meal in a traditional taverna and running on the   Roll of Honour
 and then practical application within each discipline,   Salt Lake were other highlights of the trip.
 with feedback to help improve performance.  On both                   Inter Corps Trophy winners: Lance Corporal
 days around thirty personnel of all ages and abilities   Inter Corps Athletics Championships  Cyprian Onderi second Javelin, Corporal Shaun
 enjoyed the group warm ups and the chance to try                      Patterson runner-up in both 100 metres and
 diff erent events – sometimes for the fi rst time.  With all the training complete, it was time to show the   200 metres B String, Lance Corporal Jed Hayes
 other Corps what our training routine had achieved.                   second 800 metres, Lance Corporal Devon
 Inaugural Inter Branch Competition    The conditions at Aldershot Military Stadium were   McInness fi rst 800 metres B String, Captain
 near perfect and, despite a disqualifi cation in the 400               James Keir fi rst 1,500 metres  B String.  In the
 Sergeant Kim Doyle organised the inaugural Inter   metres Hurdles, we improved in all disciplines compared   women’s event:  Corporal Hollie Ayres Second
 Branch Athletics Competition in May at Tidworth Oval.    to the previous year. We again boasted the largest   800 metres, Corporal Nansai Ravai fi rst Shot Put,
 The event was used to raise the profi le of Corps Athletics,   number of participants, fl ooding the track and fi eld in   Lance Corporal Lydia Morley fi rst High jump.
 as well as a trial to select the Corps team. Despite the   red and blue athletics strips.  We also had the noisiest
 weather being overcast the event proved a huge success   supporters which gave all our participants maximum   Army team selection for Inter-Services: Lance
                                                                       Corporal Cyprian Onderi (Gold Inter Services
 with competitors ranging from Private to Colonel taking   encouragement.  The men’s team were unlucky that their   Javelin), Lance Corporal Lydia Morley (Gold
 part and showing great enthusiasm. Coaching staff    individual improvements were matched by the quality
 were on hand to help coach the participants allowing   of the competition and although achieved an improved   Inter Services High Jump), Corporal Nansai
                                                                       Ravai (Silver Shot Put), Sergeant Erik Lister,
 competitors to improve during the events. Lieutenant   score, the overall fi nish position remained the same.
 Colonel Hawthorn Lockwood, the Corps Athletics and   The ladies team under Sergeant Kim Doyle however   Sam Wilding   Lance Corporal Sam Darlington, Lance Corporal
                                                                       Sam Wilding, Corporal Hollie Ayres and Lance
 Cross Country Chairman presented the prizes as well   were in dominant form and from their dedication and   ready to go  Corporal Luke Gay.



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