How did the military's top climbers get involved with the sport?

The best military climbers have been competing in Gloucester at the European Military Championships and Inter Services - but how did they get involved in the sport?

Bouldering is a sport that has grown in popularity over the last decade and made its debut at the Olympic Games in 2020.

In the military, participation numbers have followed in the same trajectory culminating in the biggest event the community have been a part of as they hosted the European Military Championships, coupled with the 2025 Inter Services, at the 270 Climbing Centre.

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"I started climbing when I was about ten years old," said Lance Corporal Andrew Mawhinney who is representing the Army at the event.

"I went on a family holiday and ended up loving it and when I got back to Ireland, I found the closest climbing wall and I've been climbing ever since.

"It was one of the main reasons that I wanted to sign up."

"My mum and dad taught me to climb when I was a kid actually," said Major Amy Johnstone.

"I've grown up with climbing for most of my life. I had a few years on and off but seemed to always gravitate back to it.

"It just became a way of life."