Europe’s top military athletes crossed the channel to test their skills alongside Britain’s finest.
Competitors from France, Italy and Kosovo descended on the 270 Climbing Park near Gloucester, where they faced three days of bouldering and lead climb problems in their bid to become best in class.
It was the third time the army has hosted the European Military Climbing Championships, with the event also incorporating the 2025 Inter-Services showdown.
After bouldering rounds on the opening day, personnel faced two lead climbs 24 hours later before the top 12 male and female performers progressed to a combined final.
The hosts mounted strong bids at the head of both fields, but gold medals ultimately slipped from their grasp. In the men’s showpiece, LCpl Andy Mawhinney (RE) was well placed after a strong outing in the bouldering and went on to score maximum points in the lead climb.
However, Marcelo Bombardi (pictured right) – an Italian international – claimed top spot, leaving the reservist with silver. “The bouldering problems were easier than I thought they were going to be, and they suited my style,” Mawhinney said.
“I prefer the steeper, powerful stuff rather than the slabs, which require greater balance.
“Once I completed the first one, I was happy from there.
“I was up against a World Cup athlete in Marcelo and to be only 0.4 points behind him after the bouldering was great going.
“However, lead climbing is his speciality, so it was always going to be tough.
“It is good to be involved in an international event, and it is great for our new climbers to see what it is like – it’s not every day that you compete against one of the best in the world.”
Despite missing out to Bombardi, Mawhinney celebrated success elsewhere. He combined with the Royal Navy’s LH Si Noakes to seal the men’s European team prize, and was also crowned Inter-Services individual champion.
However, the army missed out on the collective honours as the Royal Air Force sealed the junior and senior titles.It was also a case of what might have been in the women’s competition, where Maj Amy Johnstone (RAMS) topped the leaderboard after a flawless performance in the bouldering.
But with the title in her grasp, she slipped while lunging for the top of the lead climb course, posting a score of 92.1. French rival Margot Combe completed the route to secure gold, leaving Johnstone as runner-up. Speaking after the bouldering, the officer said: “I enjoyed the problems – there has been some excellent route setting that has required varied styles.
“There is a great crowd here and the atmosphere made a big difference; it is more enjoyable.
“The standard, particularly from the French, is next level. They are elite, and it is cool to be competing against them in a military context.
“It has been three days of physical activity, but I’d say the waiting around has been the most draining part. You hear the crowd cheering people on, but are sat waiting for your turn – that it is hard. Once you are climbing you are in the moment.”
Like Mawhinney, Johnstone was named Inter-Services individual champion, and with OCdt Isabelle Pourat (Exeter UOTC) and OCdt Libby Moor (Liverpool UOTC) joining her on the podium, the army women took the women’s team crown.
