Jody hones army skills in the Alps

The former Coleraine Girls School pupil competed in the Nordic (cross country) races finishing 14th in the ladies event after only doing a two week skiing camp on an army course before the exercise.

Physical training instructor Jody, whose parents Stanley and Marie still live in Coleraine, said: “I like all sports; I wanted to give skiing a go. I did the admin for this exercise last year and it looked good so I decided to actually compete this year.

“I like to try out different sports. I wish I had had a bit more time to get better at skiing before coming here, but it has been good fun and hard work.”

Nordic skiing, often coupled with shooting as a Biathlon event is one of the most popular disciplines for military people, and is widely regarded as one of the most arduous and physically demanding sports.

Jody who joined the Army in 2000 has completed two tours in Afghanistan in 2006 and 2009 and may return later in the year. She said: “There are quite a lot of military benefits from taking part in army skiing courses, from the fitness to the discipline, and working out of your comfort zone.

“As for the possibility if going to Afghanistan again – the first time I went there I was a bit nervous, but this time it will feel more normal, I know what to expect.”

Vice Chairman of the Army Winter Sports Association Brigadier Richard Dennis, described Exercise Pipedown as ‘physically and mentally demanding’. He said: “It showcases adventure training in its true sense bring out courage and determination in the competitors.’

During the Championships soldiers’ physical and mental strength were tested to the limit in a variety of individual and team events including a 10km Biathlon sprint, a 4 X 10km relay, slaloms, downhill skiing, a 1km floodlit challenge and a 20km military patrol race an event designed to test soldiers in all the essential military skills such as marksmanship, map reading and physical endurance.