RAF Sports Awards 2019: Results Roundup

Triathlon topped the billing at this year's Royal Air Force sports awards with both the sportsman and sportswoman of the year being multi-discipline specialists.

Sergeant Pete ‘Oz’ Ellis took home the title as sportsman of the year after a successful year as an athlete in triathlon and duathlon.

He has further stepped up to compete at the highest possible level in Elite Continental Championships and World Series races.

"I enjoy the challenge of trying to push myself every day in training and somedays that's really hard," Sgt Ellis said.

He added: "That reward of seeing all that hard work pay off, that's what makes it amazing."

Taking home sportswoman was another triathlon athlete, Flying Officer Hannah Dodwell, who was persuaded into taking up the sport after joining the RAF.

She originally started out as a swimmer.

The air traffic control officer first donned a GB vest last August and within two athletic competitions, she became a double European champion.

"I'd like to enter the Elite Super Series next year and also try and get world champion," she said.

Fg Off Dodwell continued her winning ways in 2019 and has already been selected to represent GB at the 2020 sprint triathlon championships.

The RAF rugby union women's side took the team title following their historic first-ever Inter Services win in April.

Flight Lieutenant Chrissy Siczowa said it's "inspiring" to see a woman's side take home the award.

"Girls are taking individual responsibility because they know how hard it is to get a shirt in the RAF women's rugby squad now," she said.

"It's inspiring from my point of view to see where we were a few years ago, where there were only one or two players playing, to where we are now - it's really fantastic."

In addition to the athletes, there was also recognition of the sports administrators, the top prize won by Sophie Trotter from RAF swimming and a special sports achievement awarded to Peter Whiting of RAF rugby union.

Four Lifetime Achievement awards were handed out to Caroline Gray from RAF bobsleigh, John Lawlor of Athletics, Gus Currie from alpine skiing and Ady Portlock for his services to RAF hockey.