As part of our exhibition REsult! The Sapper and Sport, we focus on some of the sportsmen and women of the Corps. Here, Cpl Brown writes about his passion for athletics.
I am Cpl E A Brown, 22 Engineer Regiment, originally from Jamaica. Prior to joining the Army, I participated in the Jamaica Wray & Nephew Football premier league, I also played Basketball for the Montego-Bay boys and girls club.
Athletics is possibly the most diverse and inclusive sport there is, anyone can take part, irrespective of experience or physique there is a discipline for everyone. It is for this reason I have become so passionate about athletics. For every competitor, no matter where they place, they contribute to the team and can feel proud of their achievements.
Connections and friendships are forged with other competitors which are unlikely to be made outside the arena and raise your profile across the Army. The collective commitment to training and competing alongside your comrades create team cohesion that reaches far beyond just the track.
Being part of the athletics team is incredibly rewarding. Being the naturally competitive person I am, I feel a phenomenal sense of achievement attaining personal and team success. Athletics give us the opportunity to challenge ourselves to succeed, with the knowledge that teamwork is essential, and no one person can do all things.
I have especially enjoyed assisting with coaching new recruits. For many, it is their first-time taking part in any athletic sport, yet with encouragement and support, they grow in confidence and in their ability to become masters in their field.
Achieving a balance between being a soldier and a committed athlete can be tough. It can feel as though you must apply yourself twice as hard to meet the commitments of both. Scheduling time for training can be challenging, particularly working around deployments and exercises, but the results make it all worthwhile. When out on the track competing and cheering on teammates, I am totally focused. Any stresses or burdens are far from my mind. Sport is liberating, I can always rely on it as a form of motivation and to keep me physically & mentally healthy.
I’m incredibly proud of my personal and team achievements. I have received numerous commendations for my contributions to sport, including the Army and the Corps athletic colours. Some of my most memorable accomplishments were winning the Inter-Corps Athletics Championship two years in a row for the first time in over thirty years and lifting the trophy at the UK South Inter-Unit Athletics Championship. Despite competing with the Army at the Inter-Services and winning three years in a row, winning with my cap badge is my proudest moment.
Follow @sapper_athletics_and_running to see more from the Corps team!
REsult! The Sapper and Sport runs from 5 April – 18 September 2022.
4 April 2022