A Competitive Edge –
Overseas with RAF Triathlon

As the RAF’s charity for sport, we aim to make sporting opportunities accessible to all, regardless of role, rank, or physical ability. Through annual funding to the RAF Sport Associations, we support overseas visits (OVs) that encourage personal and professional development.

These visits not only strengthen team cohesion and prepare athletes for the season ahead but also provide a unique chance to train and compete in different environments and against different cultures. Skills developed on these trips directly translate into success both in sport and in the day job, providing a competitive edge for serving personnel.

Across two training weeks this spring, 58 RAF triathletes are taking full advantage of Mallorca’s warm climate and varied terrain, training multiple times a day, combining open-water swims, long cycle routes, and structured running workouts.

For many, overseas visits are just as much about building team spirit as they are about fitness and technique. We caught up with three RAF Triathlon Association members to hear about how they got into the sport, the value of training camps and the role that the RAF Central Fund plays in making these opportunities possible.

AS1 Drew Clark’s triathlon journey has been marked by steady progression and determination. Starting out as a teenager, he quickly began achieving podium finishes, establishing himself as a promising young athlete.

“I started triathlon after being inspired by watching the London 2012 Olympics. I entered my first event later that year, and despite coming last, I loved it! From then on, I trained consistently, competing in regular youth and adult events and eventually gaining sub-elite status for the Half Ironman distance.

On joining the RAF, I utilised the Home for Sport facilities at RAF Cosford and joined the Triathlon Association. Funding from the Central Fund enabled me to afford travel, accommodation, and event fees for the 2025 Half Ironman World Championships in Marbella, where I represented the RAF among more than 3,600 athletes from around the world.

Now, I’m on the RAF High Performing Athlete Scheme, which allows increased training hours, and I hope to attain elite athlete status in future seasons – success made possible through direct support from the RAF and the Central Fund.”

For Sqn Ldr Adrian Warmington, the opportunity to attend an OV is about personal growth and connecting with others in the sport.

“These events are a massive opportunity. It has given me a focus for training and dedication to achieving my goals for the forthcoming season. Training with coaches for the first time, alongside like-minded and more experienced athletes, is fantastic.

Central Fund support has helped me purchase vital kit, and I even won some money on the Sports Lottery last year! Every Sport Association I’ve been part of, whether snowboarding, surfing, or triathlon, has welcomed all standards. You don’t need to be elite to get involved – you just need the drive to push yourself out of your comfort zone to enjoy sport.”

AS1 Adam Biddle, who recently moved from running to triathlon, described the great satisfaction of discovering a new sport and how connection through the Central Fund has been invaluable.

“I’ve been a runner for most of my life, but towards the end of last year I decided to take the leap into triathlon. Until then, I had never seriously tackled swimming or cycling, so stepping into a completely new sport that combined all three felt both exciting and intimidating.

I wanted a fresh challenge, something that would push me physically and mentally while keeping my training varied and engaging. Triathlon felt like the perfect opportunity to do exactly that.

Thanks to the Central Fund I was put in contact with the RAF Triathlon Association, and I have recently taken part in my first event. Having that connection made for me through the Fund was a massive help. I now have the opportunity to attend the OV in Mallorca, which is an incredible way to develop and push myself.

You don’t need to be an expert to start; you just need to take the first step. With the support available through the Central Fund, opportunities are out there for anyone who wants to challenge themselves.”

Overseas visits demonstrate just one way the RAF Central Fund supports RAF Sport, helping athletes like Drew, Adrian, and Adam – each at different stages of their sporting journeys – develop skills, gain experience, and build camaraderie that extends beyond training.

Whether you are a seasoned competitor or just starting out, there is a place for everyone to challenge themselves and grow within the RAF Sport community.

If you’re interested in RAF Triathlon, explore more at: www.rafcf.org.uk/sports/raf-triathlon