Six forces sport stars to watch out for in 2023
As we head into a new year, we're looking towards the future of forces sport.
Who will break through to the elite level? Who will win a national title? Who will drive their service to glory?
Here's six forces stars to keep an eye on in 2023.
Britney Walker (Navy)
The winner of the Royal Navy's Young Sportsperson of the Year award for 2022 is expected to have a big year.
She's one of the leading female boxers in the military and has already made a splash at a national level – winning a title at the Women's Winter Box Cup.
She's a candidate to take part in a first-ever official women's Inter Services boxing clash in March if the teams choose to host a women's bout.
Will Team GB come calling for Walker ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024?
Liam Sanford (RAF)
For a number of years now, Liam Sanford has been flying the Air Force flag while competing for Great Britain and England in international hockey tournaments.
2023 will be no different.
The Hockey World Cup will be taking place in India in January with Sanford having secured his place on the England team for that tournament.
After that, the Inter Services and national competitions at club level will take his focus.
Kat Matthews (Army)
2022 should have been Kat Matthews' year but an unfortunate accident in the United States ended her hopes of a triathlon World Championship.
The pain of the injury and the heartache of missing out will provide fuel for Matthews to right the wrongs in 2023.
She'll be aiming to be world champion but also continuing her work with Army triathlon.
Taylor Lawrence (Navy)
The 2022/23 bobsleigh season has already been a major success for Lawrence.
The Royal Marine has won two gold medals and one silver medal in the opening few races of the World Championship campaign for Great Britain.
At the start of the new year, Lawrence will be one of the main forces sports stars making the headlines.
He, alongside his GB teammates, could win a World Championship if current form continues.
Courtney Pursglove (Army)
The 2022 Inter Services saw Courtney Pursglove announce herself in an Army rugby union shirt.
She was dominant in wins against the RAF and Navy and will be hoping for a repeat story in the 2023 season.
For her club career, Pursglove will be looking to compete in the Premier 15s – although her current side Sale Sharks have been denied entry into the competition.
Last month, she narrowly missed out on the Army Rising Star award. With a good 2023, could Pursglove put herself in contention for the Sportswoman of the Year award?
Lauren Impey (RAF)
It's rare that a referee makes a 'One to Watch' list but the RAF's Lauren Impey's already impressive refereeing career could continue to flourish in 2023.
She's been the main official for matches in the Women's Super League, Inter Services as well as being part of the team for the Women's FA Cup final in 2021.
More and more female officials are being given big roles in the men's game so could Impey be next?
Or will the Women's World Cup, held in New Zealand and Australia in July, be the former UK Armed Forces player's next big accomplishment?
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