The Stories Behind The Awards

One week on from the RAF Sport Awards afternoon in London, we’re taking a closer look at two of this year’s award recipients: RAF Shawbury, recognised with the RAF Central Fund Unit Award, and Sue Pugh, one of six athletes to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Both awards celebrate the impact of sport across the RAF, from initiatives that inspire serving personnel and their families to individuals whose dedication to performance and coaching has helped others discover their potential.

Behind the RAF Central Fund Unit Award.

The RAF Central Fund Unit Award recognises an inspiring initiative that encourages and enables serving personnel to become physically active. It takes into consideration innovation, accessibility and the number of beneficiaries each project has positively impacted.

This year, RAF Shawbury was the worthy winner in recognition of its outstanding partnership with British Cycling. In 2024, the station constructed a replica of the Paris Olympic BMX course at Hangar 59, providing a world-class training facility that supported Kieran Reilly’s journey to Olympic silver medal success. Since then, the facility has hosted national championships and community events, earning recognition as one of the world’s leading freestyle BMX courses and the only facility of its kind in the UK.

Beyond elite performance, the partnership continues to deliver lasting benefits for the RAF community, with cycling days for serving personnel and their families, alongside British Cycling Ride Leader and Train the Trainer qualifications. These initiatives are helping to develop future Olympic talent, build sustainable coaching capability and strengthen the RAF cycling community.

The partnership continues to demonstrate Shawbury’s commitment to sport, with ambitions to expand regional community programmes to areas including the Vale and Cosford, welcome Olympic riders, develop qualified coaches and establish the RAF Cycling Club as the UK’s largest. RAF Shawbury’s work demonstrates how a strong partnership can create lasting benefits that encourage more people to get active and involved.

Lifetime Achievements, celebrating legacy in sport.

Throughout more than two decades in the RAF, sport has remained a constant in Sergeant Sue Pugh’s career. Recognised as one of six recipients of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the RAF Sport Awards, we caught up with Sue to reflect on her sporting journey and what the recognition means to her.

“Ever since childhood, I’ve been sporty, playing tennis, hockey and football, as well as swimming, cycling and running – literally anything I could do. And if I couldn’t do it, I’d find a way! Sport is ultimately what inspired me to join the RAF 22 years ago. Throughout my military sporting career, I’ve enjoyed numerous highlights, from playing tennis at Wimbledon in the Inter-Services competition and being selected for Combined Services, to competing at Hurlingham Tennis Club and undertaking overseas tours to Portugal, Spain and Amsterdam. I later focused on triathlon, qualifying for and representing the RAF at Inter-Service competitions, before representing Great Britain at age-group European and World Championships across the globe, including New Zealand, China, Turkey, Israel and Spain.

I’ve competed across all distances, from sprint and Olympic to half-Ironman and full Ironman, culminating in the Ironman World Championships. Alongside competing, I’ve coached and developed athletes, organised events and become the first female Head Coach of the Triathlon Association. With so many memorable achievements, it’s difficult to single out just one.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is certainly up there among the many proud moments of my career. When I first heard about the nomination, I was ecstatic and completely surprised. Being recognised by your sporting peers mean so much. It’s not just about my own sporting achievements, but also the organising, coaching and developing of other coaches and individuals. Seeing people grow in confidence and watching them carry that confidence into their primary roles is hugely satisfying. Knowing that I’ve given my time to help others take part in and enjoy sport as much as I have is something really special.
It was lovely to have my parents attend the awards with me, although I wish my partner, Mat, could have joined us too. So much of my military career has taken me away from my family, missing various occasions. So being able to show them the RAF Club and experience the fantastic sporting achievements demonstrated at the awards was really special.

Both as a Physical Training Instructor and an Exercise Rehabilitation Instructor, I’ve always thrived on helping others. Sharing my passion for sport, showing people what it can offer and even educating some of the hierarchy along the way have all kept me motivated! Anyone who knows me will confirm, I’m not one to sit still and do nothing. I’ve always been enthusiastic about sport and fitness, wanting to improve myself and use sport to help rehabilitate others. I understand better than most how challenging the return-to-sport journey can be for an athlete recovering from injury. However, every time, sport brings me back. The consistent training, time, dedication and pure effort have helped me overcome these challenges. As much as you can plan for how your own performances will go, there are inevitably challenges along the way, and it’s these experiences that help you through the tough times. You can draw upon those experiences and turn them into a positive.

Competing at the Ironman World Championships was a goal I had worked towards for over 20 years, the pinnacle of long-distance racing. During the bike leg, my body began rejecting both nutrition and fluids. Some people urged me to stop, but giving up wasn’t an option. I had worked so long for this, and I wasn’t going to stop voluntarily. It wasn’t pretty, and my original performance goal had passed, but I was adamant I would get to the finish line. An Ironman World Championship finish is still a finish, so I adjusted the plan and dealt with the cards I had been given. My partner, parents and sister were there watching me, along with so many friends watching online. I wasn’t about to let them or myself down. Overcoming this and crossing the finish line that day along with playing tennis at Wimbledon in my very first year of service have become two of my most memorable moments.

Sqn Ldr Damian Gange played an instrumental role in my sporting career, and I’ll never forget him telling me I’d be playing at Wimbledon. He had such a profound impact on my journey, and I owe so much to his encouragement. Sadly, he passed away at the end of last year following a long battle with cancer, but I hope his family, especially his wife, Gaynor, can take comfort in knowing just how much he shaped my career and continues to inspire me.

For anyone thinking about taking up a sport or setting themselves a physical challenge, my advice is to start with a goal and work out how you’re going to achieve it. Set yourself a realistic timeframe, then take that first step, seeking guidance from qualified, experienced coaches in your chosen sport. They can help you find the right path and discover the same enjoyment and fulfilment that sport has brought to my life.
Approach your unit’s PEd Flight for guidance on connecting with the relevant RAF Sport Association and exploring potential funding opportunities. You shouldn’t expect everything to be paid for; pursuing your goals will require a personal investment of both time and money. Never lose sight of what you want to achieve and keep pushing your own limits. If you don’t try, you’ll never know, and there is nothing worse than not knowing…”

Both awards highlight what makes RAF Sport so valuable: creating opportunities, pushing boundaries and inspiring others. Could 2027 be your year? Get involved, take on a new challenge and see where sport can take you. Explore the Sport Associations.