Capt Megan Davis
Capt Megan Davis has emerged as one of the most promising endurance athletes currently serving in the British Army, demonstrating extraordinary talent, determination, and resilience across a range of elite-level competitions in both Athletics and Triathlon.
In April 2025, she delivered a phenomenal performance at the London Marathon, finishing in 2:39:39 to place 13th in the women’s category, winning the Inter-Services Marathon Championships. She currently sits 23rd in the UK overall rankings for Marathon.
Later in the year Capt Davis represented GB claiming the Age-Group World Champion title at the World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships, completing the grueling 3km swim, 120km bike, and 30km run in 7:19:03. In August, she excelled again at IRONMAN Tallinn, winning her age category (F30–34) and placing 2nd overall in the women’s field, with a marathon split of 3:03:00 a remarkable feat after the swim and cycling stages.
Her dominance extended across Army Athletics competitions, where she secured first place in the Inter-Service Cross Country Championships, Inter-Corps Cross Country Championships, and Inter-Service 10K Championships. Transitioning into the road running season, she continued her winning streak with victories in the Inter-Service Half Marathon and Army Inter-Unit Championships, also placing second overall at the Fleet Half Marathon.
A bright future that awaits Capt Davis in the world of endurance sports and Army representation.
LCpl Jack Smy
LCpl Smy, a 26-year-old JNCO and Army Cycling Time Triallist in only his second season. Within a short time, he has achieved exceptional results in races covering distances from 10 miles to 12 hours; a spread very few cyclists have the physiological and psychological ability to manage. He approaches racing with utmost maturity, dedication and a forensic eye for detail, which is all the more impressive when his age and rank are factored in. Most importantly, his future potential is frighteningly promising.
Ranked 128th Senior Male and 306th Male nationally last year, LCpl Smy is now 61st and 138th respectively; truly phenomenal progression given his age (26) and in only his second competitive season. To be in the top 100 nationally is exceptional.
His recent achievements place him amongst (and above) the best Time Triallists in the country, which has not only turned heads but gained appreciation from seasoned competitors.
LCpl Smy invests a considerable amount of time and money proactively conducting forensic analysis of all aspects his performance, kit, equipment, digital tools and aerodynamics – for both his, and the wider Army TT Team’s, benefit. His knowledge, drive and enthusiasm inspires others to push boundaries and strive for excellence. He leaves no stone unturned in bettering his own and Team performances and provides invaluable support to the Team Manager. His commitment to all aspects of a highly technical and complex discipline is unique. His current trajectory sees him competing for national titles and top spot in the BBAR.
OCdt Milly Wood
This is OCdt Wood’s first year involved in Army Tennis. This RAMS medical student won every military competition she entered in 2025. In June 2025 she arrived as an unknown at the Army Tennis Championships and by August 2025 she has become the; 2025 Army U25 Singles Champion; 2025 Army Women’s Open Singles Champion; 2025 Inter-Service Champion playing as Army No 1 seed and winning an incredible match against the previously undefeated Champion of all Women’s Inter-Services Tennis events, the RAF No1. Showing immense determination to recover from the near brink of losing, to winning in a 3hr thriller which was widely regarded as ‘The Match’ of all 2025 Inter-Services Tennis events. This success enabled the Women’s team to be undefeated in the Inter-Service Championships and retain their team title.
In a very short space of time, she integrated seamlessly into the team and was a key member to successes of the pre-Inter-Services training camp.
Whilst studying at Nottingham University the University team won the prestigious British Universities and College overall National Sports title in 2025. She has been playing in the BUCS Premier league against the best universities in GB and she only lost one match in the whole season whilst representing Nottingham.
Outstanding achievement of beating two previously undefeated champions in the Army and at the Inter-Services makes OCdt Wood a rising star and worthy of recognition
OCdt Wood has won the highest accolades in both Army and UKAF Tennis at the first time of asking and being a novice in the military sports event setting, this is a significant achievement.
Cpl Sarah Barritt
Following a career as a performance athlete, culminating in a 5th place at the Commonwealth Games in 2022, representing Northern Ireland, Cpl Sarah Barritt has focussed her talents on developing others. In 2024, she qualified as an International Judo Coach and, since February 2025, began working with developing athletes for the Northern Ireland Judo Federation (NIJF) and established the Northern Ireland Talent Development Program (NITDP) from scratch.
Before Cpl Barritt took up post, the NIJF had no world class or performance players. Both in training and matside at competition, she has supported young athletes to achieve medals at the British Schools championships, Venray international open, North West Open, London Open, and Northern Ireland Open. Internationally, the NITDP has taken athletes to the Birmingham European cup, Great Britain under 23 talent development camp and Open National Squad Training ahead of competition at the world ranking Amman Asian Continental Open, where the NI squad claimed three 7th places and crucial world ranking points. Northern Ireland now has four world ranked athletes (3 male and 1 female), with one already meeting the eligibility for the next Commonwealth Games in 2026.
Totally dedicated to judo, completely committed to making a lasting difference and focussed on supporting young athletes to achieve their potential, Sarah Barritt embodies the judo moral code and the Army’s Values and Standards.
SSgt James Battle
SSgt Battle is an outstanding referee and is one of the most qualified officials in the country. He is as comfortable operating at Inter-Company Boxing as he is as a National Technical Official at the World Boxing Championships.
Officiating 67 competitions as a referee or supervisor; most of which are more than single day competitions. He has officiated representing UKAF Boxing at the finals of every age group of the England Boxing Championships (Schools, Juniors, Youth, Development and Senior Elite) and represented UKAFBA at the British University Championships and National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs.
He has represented the Army as a referee on numerous occasions including the Inter-Service Championships at both Elite and Development Championships, Army v Bahrain and the prestigious Haringey International Box Cup at Alexandra Palace.
SSgt Battle is pivotal to the delivery of boxing in the Army at all levels, his engagement and influence within England Boxing is exceptional. At 34 he is the youngest National standard Referee/Judge in England.
Cpl Stephen Mitchell
Cpl Mitchell is the first JNCO to be Army Smallbore Team Captain, assuming the role in May 2024. Cpl Mitchell has progressed team training and development at pace. This has included quickly assimilating the requirements of business case submission to Combat Manoeuvre Centre to enable training activities; understanding the team’s annual funding requirements and submissions to Army Sport; managing the procurement of equipment and the team’s shooting inventory; and organising and running matches and training events. Of particular note has been successful team training events run in Gibraltar, Germany, Wales & Scotland. Travel with firearms and ammunition requires sound organisation at the best of times, particularly so when travelling abroad.
The Gibraltar training camp was of note, enabling a strong performance from the Army team in the Open Meeting with several medals across the disciplines and the overall 10m Air Champion.
Cpl Mitchell has organised and led 3 smallbore technique courses this year, with the aim of furthering marksmanship skills within the Army Team and recruiting new shooters to the Team. Completion of the NSRA Range Conducting Officer course has allowed him to run events at civilian ranges which aids recruitment and training through better access to ranges.
In his short tenure as Army Captain, Cpl Mitchell’s leadership and selection of the team has led to notable victories in the Inter-Service Short Range Championships; beating the RAF in the Long Range Championships; and as UKAF Captain, beating the English Small Bore Shooting Union (i.e. England). This latter success is particularly notable being only the second time ever that UKAF have beaten England.
Cpl Paige Atwell
Cpl Atwell’s remarkable ability to balance her instructional duties, maintain military readiness, and simultaneously achieve extraordinary success in two very different sporting arenas highlights her talent, resilience, and drive. She is a standout leader across multiple sports, with relentless drive to excel as a competitor whilst also facilitating sport for others. She balances the demands of military service with remarkable commitment to both Army Ice Hockey and Strongwoman at the Unit, Corps, Army and UKAF levels.
Quickly establishing herself as a reliable and respected member of Army Strongwoman, she placed third in her first Army competition. Qualifying for the Forces Strongest Women against a field of formidable opposition, she conquered her category – crowning her the first ever UKAF Strongest Women. A true trailblazer, Corporal Atwell went on to compete at Britain’s Strongest Woman (U75kg) in Jul 25, placing second against the highest level of tested competition in the UK. She is now the first female serviceperson to qualify for the World’s Strongest Woman (U75kg).
Corporal Atwell’s impact on Army Ice Hockey is equally profound. A spearhead in the establishment and growth of women’s ice hockey, she was a founding member of the Army Fury team. As the registration secretary for the Army Ice Hockey Association, she is accountable for the registration and insurance of more than 250 players. As a player, her tireless commitment led to representing the RLC Chiefs at six UKAF Championships. Using her experience as a skater, she became a starting player for The Fury in their inaugural year. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment on the ice epitomises the Army ethos and led her to being named Assistant Captain for the 2024 season.
Corporal Atwell’s unwavering dedication as a leader and athlete, and pioneering contributions to both Army Ice Hockey and Army Strongwoman, set her apart. Contributions to both Army Ice Hockey and Army Strongwoman, set her apart.
Lt Col Nicola George
Lt Col Nic George is an outstanding athlete whose elite-level performances, international representation and leadership in the sport of hockey set her apart. Serving as an SO1 in Army Digital Services, she balances her demanding role with sustained excellence in her sport.
At international level, Nic has represented England Masters since 2018, and in the last year has excelled in both the Over-40s and Over-45s squads. In October 2024, she had the honour of captaining the England Over-40s at the Masters World Cup in South Africa, guiding the team to a fourth-place finish (out of 16 nations).
At the 2025 European Masters Championships in Valencia, she was selected to represent the England Over-45s, her debut in this age group. England topped their group unbeaten with commanding wins over Scotland, Ireland, and the Australian Spirits, scoring 18 goals and conceding just one. Nic contributed two goals and remained a pivotal on-field presence as England progressed to the semi-finals. Following a narrow shootout loss to Germany, England secured bronze with a 3–0 win over the hosts, Spain, finishing the tournament unbeaten in regular time and with the best defensive record.
In November 2024, she helped the Army Women reclaim the Inter-Services Indoor Championship, scoring in the 4–1 win over the Royal Navy. Also featuring in the Army Over-35s squad that reached the third round of the England Hockey Masters Cup in December. In March 2025, she was a key player in the Army’s Inter-Services Outdoor title defence, securing convincing victories over both the Royal Navy and the RAF.
Nic embodies sporting excellence, leadership, and commitment. Her achievements representing England Masters internationally and continuing to compete at the top level of service hockey underscores her ability and talent.
Gdsm Manuqalo Komaitai
Guardsman Manuqalo Komaitai has enjoyed an extraordinary breakthrough year, establishing herself as one of the brightest rising stars in Army and international rugby. Her rapid ascent from novice player to Army and playing for Fiji within just five years is a testament to her talent, determination and relentless work ethic.
Taking up rugby only in 2020, she quickly excelled in both codes, starring on the Army Rugby Union 7s circuit and playing club rugby for London Irish RFC and York Valkyrie RLFC. Her instinctive athleticism, versatility and power soon marked her out as a force to be reckoned with.
The 2024/25 season cemented her reputation. Selected at Number 8 for the Army XVs, she delivered dominant performances in the Inter-Services Championship. At Twickenham she opened the scoring in a record 96-0 victory over the Royal Navy, before producing a sensational four-try, Player of the Match display against the RAF. Her impact was recognised by her teammates, who voted her Players’ Player of the Season as the Army were crowned Inter-Services Champions.
In May 2025 she was called into the Fijiana national squad, making her international debut against Tonga and scoring a try, before starting against Samoa a week later in the Oceania Rugby Women’s Challenge title-decider. In August 2025, she was named in Fiji’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Guardsman Manuqalo Komaitai is a trailblazer whose journey embodies resilience, talent and opportunity seized. She has already inspired many and has the potential to achieve even greater things.
Gdsm Thandor Dlamini
Gdsm Thandor Dlamini enlisted into the British Army in November 2019, at the age of 27 years. He is now serving at 1 SCOTS. He is a high-grade Taekwondo fighter, regularly medalling at national and international level as an elite level (black belt) in the World Taekwondo Federation – IOC recognised. He has an indomitable spirit, pursuing sporting excellence whilst recently beating cancer (link to Soldier Magazine Front Cover and Feature – Aug 25).
Since returning to high level competition in 2025, he has won notable events such as the Liverpool and Wales Open full contact competitions. He recently returned to his home nation and won bronze in the Eswatini Open and regained his No 1 national rank for his weight group. This outstanding achievement and subsequent top-ranking status resulted in his automatic selection to represent Eswatini in the African Games tournaments 25/26. Sponsored by Army Sport, he is now training full time.
He is the current Army Middleweight Champion, the Welsh Open Champion and number one ranked Eswatini player. He is a L2 British Taekwondo coach and has the clear potential to continuing competing at the highest level for at least three years. As an elite level athlete, he has conducted successful Defence outreach and recruitment engagements. He easily builds rapport with people and explains the benefits of military service and Army Sport.
Gdsm Dlamini is the No1 ranked Inter-Services’ athlete who has dominated military competition in recent years. He is talented, ambitious, modest and is capable of success at the highest level. His significant taekwondo achievements can be eclipsed in the short term with success at African and Olympic Games if he continues to progress and is invested in. A promising star and sporting ambassador who demonstrates the warrior ethos and proudly represents the British Army, Eswatini, his unit and Regiment.
LCpl Marvric Pamphile
Since joining the Army Athletics scene in 2022, LCpl Marvric Pamphile has demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication as a 200m and 400m sprinter. His 2024 season was marked by dominance on the track, claiming the title of Inter-Service Champion in both events. He also secured first place at the Midlands Counties Championships, 2nd at the UAE Athletics Grand Prix and 3rd at the England National Championships in Birmingham.
In 2025 LCpl Pamphile continued his impressive winning streak, triumphing at both the Inter-Service Indoor Championships and Inter-Corps Championships, his dedication and commitment to the Royal Engineers has undoubtedly played a key role in their dominance helping them win the Inter-Corps for the 4th consecutive year, in addition to these achievements he once again excelled in the outdoor Inter-Service Championships claiming the titles for both the 200m and 400m. He successfully retained his title at the Midlands Counties Championships and achieved a career milestone by winning the England National Championships in Birmingham, earning him the prestigious title of England National 400m Champion.
Crowning an extraordinary year LCpl Pamphile was selected to represent St. Lucia at the 2025 NACAC Senior Champs in the Bahamas where he reached the final, marking his first national vest since returning to competitive Athletics in 2022, prior to joining the Army LCpl Pamphile represented St Lucia at the 2018 Commonwealth games marking the beginning of a remarkable international journey that has now come full circle. LCpl Pamphile has been provisionally selected to represent St Lucia at the 2025 Commonwealth Games.
LCpl Pamphile’s journey is a testament to resilience, excellence, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. His achievements have not only elevated the standard of athletics within the services but have also inspired a new generation of athletes.
Maj Rob Vincent
Major Rob Vincent has demonstrated outstanding excellence in Clay Target Shooting throughout 2024 and 2025, achieving national and international recognition at the highest levels of competition. In the Spring of 2025, he qualified for the England National Olympic Skeet Team and represented his country at the prestigious Home International competition in Ireland, marking him as one of the Army’s foremost sporting ambassadors and contributing to a win for the England Team.
In addition to his international success, Major Vincent twice reached the finals of national selection shoots, placing among the top six athletes in a highly competitive field. His consistent performance underlines his standing as an elite sportsman within a demanding and specialist discipline, in which Great Britain excel.
Beyond his personal sporting achievements, Major Vincent has made an exceptional contribution to the development of Army shooting talent, and this has stood out above any other. As Captain of the Army’s Olympic Pathway Programme for Clay Target Shooting, he has provided inspirational leadership and dedicated mentorship to the next generation of Army athletes, always seeking out new talent and providing welcome encouragement to widen participation in Army Sport shooting.
Through this considered engagement, Major Vincent was instrumental in attracting talent, leading to the recruitment into the Army of two established Great Britain level shooting athletes. His commitment to developing others, and his exemplary leadership, Major Rob Vincent has underpinned the ethos of sport within the Army.