UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association

07/03/2026

Luge report - Fast, cold and unforgiving — the Lillehammer track provided a true test for athletes at the Inter Service Luge Championships this week. After a demanding training period, supported by three international-level coaches, competitors from the Royal Navy, Army and RAF showed real grit and determination as they built confidence and speed on the ice.

Race day brought perfect luge conditions and some excellent performances. In the women’s race, Captain Lucy Wyatt (Army) took gold, with RAF athletes Corporal Elizabeth Coates in second and Corporal Alicia Dermody in third. In the men’s competition, Flying Officer Luke Farrar (RAF) claimed gold, followed by Corporal Scott Pearson (Army) in second and Flight Lieutenant Danny Burke (RAF) in third.

The championships concluded with a mixed team event across eight runs. The Royal Navy finished third, with a very tight battle between the Army and RAF. In the end the RAF took the win, with just 1.5 seconds separating them from the Army across all runs.

A tough week on the ice, huge progress from all athletes, and another great display of Inter Service competition.

More info on our website - https://ukafwsa.org/luge-isic-26/

07/03/2026

The Inter Service Skeleton Championships returned to Lillehammer for the second consecutive year, with athletes facing a technically demanding track and the notorious Bend 13 causing challenges throughout the week.

The Royal Air Force dominated the competition, taking first place in both the men’s and women’s events. Olympic athlete Flt Lt Nicole Berger delivered outstanding runs in the women’s race, while Olympian Flt Lt Rhys Thornbury led the RAF men to victory.

The Army secured second place in the men’s competition, with the Royal Navy third after injuries reduced their team to three sliders. Despite this, Navy athletes recorded the fastest start times of the competition with explosive 4.98 second pushes.

In the women’s event, the Royal Navy claimed second place after a determined performance, while the Army finished third following a crash at Bend 13 during the race.

Rear Admiral Angus Essenhigh closed the championships by praising the athletes, coaches and discipline managers for delivering another safe and successful competition, while also thanking event sponsor Babcock, whose representatives experienced the thrill of the track in a guest bobsleigh run during the week.

Another outstanding display of courage, skill and resilience from all three Services on one of Europe’s most demanding tracks.

more info on our website - https://ukafwsa.org/skeleton-isic-26/

07/03/2026

Day 1 of the Inter Service Bobsleigh Championships in Lillehammer delivered tight racing and an outstanding field of athletes from across the Royal Navy, Army and RAF — including several Olympians and international competitors.

In the women’s race, Army 1, piloted by Olympian Pte Mika Moore with Cpl Carrie King on brakes, leads after two runs. RAF 1 currently sits in second, with Royal Navy 1 in third. King also set the fastest push of the competition so far with an impressive 5.65 seconds.

The men’s race is just as competitive. Army 1 leads with two-time Olympian Nick Gleeson and Tom Harris, whose 5.03 push is the fastest of the event. Royal Navy 1 — Shaquille John and GB Olympic brakeman Taylor Lawrence — sits in second, with RAF 1 in third.

The team competition is incredibly close. In the women’s event the Army lead, followed by the RAF and Royal Navy. In the men’s standings the RAF currently hold a narrow lead on 5:13.08, with the Army just 0.3 seconds behind and the Royal Navy only fractions further back.

With margins this tight, everything will be decided on the final runs. Exactly the kind of racing that makes the Inter Service Ice Championships so special.

More details on our webpage - https://ukafwsa.org/bobsleigh-issic-26/

13/02/2026

At this very top level of sport in the UK Armed Forces, our athletes develop and test their courage, skill and resilience under pressure, attributes that translate directly into warfighting readiness and operational effectiveness.

The Championships offer a level of competition that would be unattainable for most outside the Armed Forces, while also playing a vital role in fitness, mindset and retention across all three Services.

Most of our athletes and hill teams have developed their skills from grassroots winter sports opportunities within their single services, rising through the ability levels, show excellence at each stage.

As a Charity UKAFWSA would not have been able to deliver any competitions without the support of our sponsors and the enabling ethos provided by our military ambassadors and charity trustees.

120 athletes – 60 hill team in support, 32 sponsors enabling racing across 3 disciplines. We succeeded in encouraging excellence, many of our athletes are now representing the UKAF and GB sport at GB and international level competitions.

10/02/2026

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

A different perspective to performance training recovery from AS1 Cain Elliott from RAF Snowboarding - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8akiszJqyB8

Credit Forces News

A veteran RAF snowboarder reveals how switching to a vegan lifestyle has transformed his recovery from serious injuries and helped him return to competitive ...

07/02/2026

07/02/2026

Let the Games begin! 🥇🌨️

👤 Corporal Alex Cartagena
🔧 RAF Technician
🏅 Bobsleigh
🇬🇧 Team GB

Introduced to sliding sports through the military, Alex made his national debut in 2021 and his World Cup debut in 2024.

As travelling reserve for Team GB, he stays ready to race if called upon.

We wish him the very best of luck in the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

06/02/2026

UKAFWSA were honoured to host our charity's Patron The Duchess of Edinburgh in Meribel yesterday.

In celebration of 75 years of the UKAFWSA The Duchess met with athletes across all 3 Services and disciplines and delivered an inspring speech to over 300 attendees.

In recognistion of 20 years of the Inter Services Snowsport Championships in Meribel, HRH presented salvers to Marc Bourreau - Head of ESF in Medibel, Florence Surelle - President of Meribel Tourism and Yannick Favieres - Head of Ski Racing.

05/02/2026

Dont miss thebrand new Dell Alpine Parallel Giant Slalom Live on BFBS YouTube this afternoon from 1500 (UK time) at in Meribel.

https://www.youtube.com/live/bU1hOIffZYQ