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2023 World Rowing Indoor Championships, Mississauga, Toronto, Canada - World Rowing/Benedict Tufnell

For the British Army, the 2025 World Rowing Indoor Championships (WRICH) presented by Concept 2, are more than just a competition. It is a test of resilience, discipline, and raw power. With 18 athletes (10 men and 8 women) preparing to take on the world’s best, Staff Sergeant Bobby Charlton offers insight into their mindset in this year’s virtual format.

Competing on the World Stage

The British Army has been a consistent presence in Indoor Rowing for the past five years, first making waves in the 2020 WRICH hosted in Paris. While this year’s fully virtual competition presents a different experience, the team remains focused on their performance.

“The team loves meeting up, travelling, and competing against the best,” says Charlton. In this new format, the goals remain the same. “We have a returning champion in the Men’s 40 – 44 category from 2024, (Jim Berriman – the only WRICH athlete in that age group last year to break the 6 min barrier for the 2k) and team members will always apply themselves to the best of their ability to win and pushing for PBs in the same moment.”

Training Across the UK

With athletes based across different locations, including in various military bases in the UK, the team relies on technology to stay connected and motivated. “We complete most of our training by ourselves,” Charlton explains, “A programme is designed by one of the captains and shared on the App ErgZone where our athletes can train, share and compare results with one another to improve their overall times and fitness.”

This decentralised approach requires immense self-discipline, but military training has readily instilled that trait in every team member, and it also plays well with their competitive nature. Charlton continues, “Indoor Rowing is a tough sport, especially the 2000m race. It demands mental resilience.” In recent years, the British Army has been focusing on installing that strong mentality amongst their soldiers, which is translating directly into their rowing.

The Team Spirit Advantage

While much of Indoor Rowing is an individual effort, the British Army team thrives in relay events, overcoming the logistical challenges of not training together regularly. “We’re usually competitive in the relays, and that reflects our adaptability and team spirit,” says Charlton proudly. Their handover preparations are often decided on the day of competition, highlighting their instinctive coordination given a smooth changeover can be the difference between winning a medal and finishing fourth.

Balancing Military Life and Elite Sport

For these unique athletes, training isn’t just about making time, it’s about making it work within the demands of military service. British soldiers are busy, they could be deployed on missions, on a course or stationed in remote places on exercise. Regardless, Charlton confidently says, “With the military training, we will find a way to keep our fitness up and prepared for competitions. Our mental resilience and drive to do well is our greatest strength and it gives us that will to be competitive.”

When asked whether the British Army also rowed on the water, Charlton responds enthusiastically, “Some of our team members also compete in on-the-water Rowing, while others use the indoor season to stay sharp and build fitness.” The versatility of Indoor Rowing particularly suits soldiers deployed away from the water.

Representing the British Army on a Global Stage

For Charlton and his teammates, competing at WRICH is about more than just personal achievement. “Ever since I went to Paris, I’ve loved it. I never thought in my lifetime I would ever be competing at a world event and having family and friends from back home watching me live.”

Looking ahead, the team is focused on the virtual competition while keeping an eye on the future. “The events are great, and hopefully, we’ll be back to racing live next year.”

Charged with organising the squad, Charlton’s mission is to inspire the next generation and grow the profile of Rowing, “As captain my sense of purpose is to promote the sport and get others involved and potentially find some talented people who may be in the position that I have been in previously.”

Given these athletes had to go through a competitive selection process to be in the squad, there is certainly a high level of motivation to perform.