The Royal Navy Track and Field team run up a storm at the Inter-Service Champs

The Royal Navy Track & Field (T&F) team performed with great commitment and credit at the Inter Services T&F Championships at Aldershot on Weds 12 Jul 23.

The combined team of 27 (15 Men & 12 Women) showed great commitment to the team cause, delivering a range of outstanding achievements, whether: medal winning performances, personal or seasonal bests or just willingly stepping up to fill gaps within the team.  

Amidst a widespread abundance of moral and physical courage demonstrated, the other 2 Services were complimentary of the Royal Navy team spirit and ethos. Ten medals were won, 5 each for Men and Women, but this does not tell the full story! 

Lt Chelsea Baker (NAVY PEOPLE) was a convincing and comfortable winner of the Women’s 5K in 16 mins 39.86 secs, breaking the RN record (subject to ratification) by almost 2 mins!  

It was Weds 10 Jul 2019 when Sub Lt Chelsea Baker ran 21 mins 29.7 secs to finish 5th of 5 runners at that year’s Inter Services Championships, instigating her resolve to develop fitness and performance to achieve current levels of performance, on the cusp of international selection for distance running.

LET Rachel White (47CDORM) won Silver in the Women’s Javelin, with Women’s Bronze medals won by AB Hannah Holman (HMS CALLIOPE) over 400m and Lt Emma Morley (HMS TRUMPETER CO) in both 100m and 200m.  

Men’s medallists were: Silver for AET Lyle Sargent (207 Sqn) 400m, with Bronzes for:Mne Calum Hart (CTCRM) 400m, Andres Safars 400mH (RNR) and Mark Duffett (NAS YEOVILTON) in both 1500m and 3000m Steeplechase).  

The commitment to the team cause was met by all who competed, most notably by those who filled team gaps in their non-specialist events - those who competed in at least 4 events (including relays) were: Men: LCpl Ben Di Salvo (30CdoRM) - 4, AB Andres Safars - 6 and Mid Robbie Carson  (SULTAN) – 7; Women: AB Jolisia Tash (HMS RICHMOND) - 4, Lt Emma Morley - 5, AB Shairee Williams  (RM STONEHOUSE) - 5, Sub Lt Samantha  Hill (RAF SHAWBURY) - 6  and LCS Maria Richards (HMS RICHMOND) who takes special credit for her enthusiasm to complete 8900m over 4 races, most of which included a cheery wave to the applauding masses of all 3 Services alongside the home straight.  

It is expected that Lt Baker and AET Sargent will be selected to represent the UKAF at the England AA Championships at Chelmsford on Sat/Sun 22/23 Jul.  

Grateful thanks are afforded to all who supported efforts to field a Royal Navy team at this year’s Inter Services T&F Championships, given the competing demands and constraints of operational, career training and personal factors.