Roger Tutt - Media Ops, HQ Land

Having the opportunity of representing your country in the Olympic Games is a dream few get to realise but for three serving soldiers it is about to become a reality. Bobsleigh team members Corporals Jackie Davies, Steve Smith and Neil Scarisbrick are in the final stages of training for the games next year and the World Cup series, which take place over the coming months.

Jackie, 28, is serving as a Telecommunications Technician in the Royal Signals and started her bobsleigh career in 2000 during the Army Ice Camp in Norway. She and her team mate won a silver medal in the 2005 World Championships earlier this year.

“When I went to the Ice Camp I was already playing rugby at international level and for the Army and athletics. In fact I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for the army. I get time off for my training and that is now full time so I have a very understanding unit. I get a grant from the Army Sports Lottery and sponsorship from Adidas.

Now my goal is to win a medal at the Winter Olympics in Turin next year and after the success at this year’s World Championships it looks as if I can realise my dream.”

Neil, 35, is a member of 1 Royal Tank Regiment and has been on the bobsleigh circuit for ten years.

“I’m very fortunate because the army have backed me on full time training for the last seven years. My wife Jane has supported me as well, she puts up with a lot when I’m training so much. I would like to win a medal for her as well as my country.”

Steve, 30, is a Parachute Regiment soldier and a newcomer having only started the sport two years ago. Although already fit he has, after the spell in full time training, reached even higher levels of fitness and is ready to join the squad.

“Now my aim is to be an Olympian so I can repay the confidence and support my unit have given me.”