Royal Navy athletes storm the Super G history books

The Inter Services Snowsports Championships were held in Meribel between the 12th and 18th of March this year, with teams from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF competing in Snowboarding, Alpine and Telemark Skiing.

It was an incredibly successful season for Royal Navy Alpine Skiing with both teams making the history books, side by side. 2023 marks the first year both the men and women’s team have been on the same podium, with the teams taking the crown in their respective Super Giant Slalom races. 

The men’s team dominated the podium across the disciplines, winning the downhill race as well, plus individual wins for AB Graeme Price and Lt James French, who were both selected to represent the United Kingdom Armed Forces team. 

It was no ordinary year for the Royal Navy women either, the team made their own mark in history when they scooped their Super Giant Slalom win, as the first time in the Royal Navy history of the sport that the women’s team has ever won.

Carrying the torch for the women in the individuals, Lt Lilias Hopkinson came third place in the Super Giant Slalom, Giant Slalom, Slalom and overall. Lilias' performance also saw her selected to represent the combined services. 

Lt Sian Lewis has been part of the women’s alpine skiing team since 2017 and stepped into the role of team captain this year for the first time. Sian said, “It is a huge win for us. We do not get as much time to train as the other services and our team is much smaller, so to come out on top is a massive achievement.” 

Sian and the team not only made their mark in the Super Giant Slalom, they also took the Women’s Overall Team win for the first time in twenty-five years.

The team are already planning for next season and team captain, Sian, has her sights set on a Royal Navy, ex Great British racer to help the women’s team continue to grow their success in the future.

Sian said, “I am so excited about next year already. We have really bonded this year as a team, we are such a strong unit, both the men and women and there is a lot to look forward to.”

It was not Sian’s first taste of winter sport success this year either, competing for the Royal Navy in the Ice Championships in February, Sian took the silver medal in the women’s skeleton race, in her fourth season as part of the Royal Navy set up.

Sian’s love of winter sport started at a young age but the opportunity to participate and compete in these sports while continuing a career in the Royal Navy is unique.

Sian said, “Something I learned from day one in Royal Navy sport is that there is no rank in sport. You support each other and talk about normal every day stuff when you are training together."

All winter sport disciplines encourage new personnel to attend grassroots sessions and reap the benefits of the inclusive and competitive environment as a key tool to support a career in the Royal Navy.