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5th April 2006

The Best of the Best

On Saturday 1st April 2006, twenty cadets from all over the Air Training Corps came together at RAF College Cranwell to represent the Corps at cross-country against Lincolnshire Athletics Club and Nene Valley Athletics Club. Amongst the four representing Junior Men (Over 17 year-olds) was Flight Sergeant Antoni Otulakowski from 134 (Bedford) Squadron.

Due to the fact that some of the cadet competitors had travelled the length and breadth of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland, the runners all arrived at RAFC Cranwell the previous day to spend a night in the Officer and Aircrew Selection accommodation. After getting to know each other and discussing the next day’s racing, everybody was soon asleep. The next morning came soon enough though for the cadets who, after an excellent breakfast at the mess, made their way to the Sultan Qaboos stadium; the venue for the cross-country.

With the Corps running kit issued and almost perfect weather, all that was left to do was to wait for the race and try your hardest, which, of course, all the competitors did. Flight Sergeant Otulakowski came fifth in his race and also had the honour of being the first cadet in his age group to cross the line.

Overall, the Air Training Corps did fantastically: winning the Junior Boys, Junior Girls, Youths, and Senior Girls Trophies, along with the overall trophy for cross-country. Special mention must go to the Under 15 Boys whose four-man team took first, second, third and fourth place.

Presented alongside the trophies were the highly respected Corps Blues, given to any cadet that represents the Corps in sport. These are only issued once to a cadet, however they are presented with a certificate every time.

FS Antoni Otulakowski with a complete set of Wing, Region and Corps Blues

Flight Lieutenant Mark Robinson, Officer Commanding 134 Squadron said, “Antoni set his sights on a Corps Blue and has achieved his goal through hard work and sheer determination. He is an inspiration to all the Cadets in the Squadron and a fantastic sporting ambassador for the Air Cadet Organisation. We are all justifiably proud of his achievements and his is a credit to his family and the Squadron.”

Congratulations are due to all the cadets who participated and many thanks go to the Junior Ranks mess who provided an excellent breakfast and lunch on the race day.