Most people think tug of war is just a group of strong people pulling on a rope. However, the sport is much more than that. Strength is important, but so is skill, teamwork and determination. These qualities were on show at this year's Inter-Services Tug of War Championships in Aldershot.
The Army's tug of war teams endured success at the Inter-Services Championships in Aldershot.
The Army's tug of war teams endured success at the Inter-Services Championships in Aldershot.
The Army's tug of war teams endured success at the Inter-Services Championships in Aldershot.
The Army's tug of war teams endured success at the Inter-Services Championships in Aldershot.
The Army won every weight category, so we maintain our 100% 81-year success rate
The competition brought together teams from the Army and the Royal Air Force. Sadly, the Royal Navy could not take part because of operational commitments. Even so, the event was a great success with the Army winning overall.
Captain Gareth Wyatt of 26 Regiment Royal Artillery organised the event. He is also secretary of the Army Tug of War Association and coach of the women's team.
He said: "The Army won every weight category, so we maintain our 100 percent, 81-year success rate. It was a shame only two of the three services could attend."
Tugging at the threads of history
No one knows exactly where tug of war began, but it is one of the world's oldest sports. It has been played in many countries for hundreds of years. Records show it was played in England as far back as the 1500s. It was even an Olympic sport between 1900 and 1920.
The Army has a proud history in tug of war and before the COVID pandemic, many Army units took part in competitions. Since then, numbers have fallen, partly because the Army is smaller and it can be harder to build teams. However, interest in the sport is growing again.
Many people think tug of war is simply about being strong. In reality, it takes fitness, technique and careful teamwork. Every member of the team must work together to succeed.
It is very technical, mentally and physically demanding. People think it is all about arm strength, but you use your whole body. The whole team also has to think and work together.
Catching the "bug for the tug"
Lance Corporal Jones, from the Royal Logistic Corps, has been serving in the Army for nine years. Army service runs in his family, with his grandfather, mother and brother all serving in the same Corps.
He first tried tug of war three years ago after being encouraged by a former Sergeant Major. Since then, he has become passionate about the sport.
"It is very technical, mentally and physically demanding," he said. "People think it is all about arm strength, but you use your whole body. The whole team also has to think and work together."
He believes the lessons from the sport help him in military life. Tug of war has taught him confidence, mental strength and how to stay calm under pressure.
"It is easy to think something is too difficult and give up," he explained. "But the sport teaches you to keep going. You remind yourself that you can do it and that everyone is working together."
Second Lieutenant Cameron MacDonald discovered the sport shortly after leaving the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Looking for a sport to join, he gave tug of war a try after hearing positive reports from another officer.
Now he trains twice a week and travels around the country to compete.
"You could say I've got the bug for the tug" he said.
A bright future
The Army's tug of war teams endured success at the Inter-Services Championships in Aldershot.
Army tug of war teams continue to achieve impressive results. The Army women's team recently qualified to represent England at the Tug of War International Federation World Outdoor Championships in South Africa taking place next month.
Team captain Warrant Officer Class Two Jay Ward has competed in the sport for almost 17 years. She said qualifying for the world championships was a proud moment, especially for newer members of the team.
"There are not many Army sports where you can represent your country," she said. "For some of the team, this is their first season, which makes it even more special."
You could say I've got the bug for the tug
The Army teams also have another important event ahead. In September, they will compete at the famous Braemar Gathering in Scotland in front of His Majesty the King.
The enthusiasm, dedication and teamwork shown at the championships suggest a bright future for Army tug of war. The sport proves that when people pull together, they can achieve great things.
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