RAF Sport is proud to have many successful female athletes representing the Royal Air Force in their chosen sport. This International Women's Day, we celebrated the remarkable success of the women’s Telemark team through the story of Squadron Leader Clare Thomas’s inspirational ten-year journey.

From being the only female competing head-to-head with men to having broken new ground as the first Female Individual Champion, and then leading the RAF team to win the first-ever Female Inter-Services Team Competition. Sqn Ldr Clare Thomas is a pioneer in her sport and has challenged the hierarchy to progress gender equality in Telemark competition.

Clare reminisces on the RAF Telemark Ski Association’s ten-year plan coming to fruition following an incredible performance this season.

We were out in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in January for the Alpine Challenge, previously known as the Ski Champs, and were delighted to have the opportunity to catchup with many stakeholders and beneficiaries to celebrate the new construct of RAF Sport powered by the RAF Central Fund.

RAF Central Fund CEO, Ross Perriam, said "The Alpine Challenge is an inspirational event to attend with over 900 personnel attending this year. It showcases the best skiers and boarders the RAF has to offer alongside those trying it for the very first time. I strongly recommend anyone interested in learning more to contact the Winter Sports Association who will be more than willing to help you experience this incredible sport.”