A RESERVIST based at RAF St Mawgan is flying high after competing in a winter sliding sport.

Sergeant Paul took first place in the novice category at the RAF Alpine Luge Championships in the Italian Alps despite never having tried the sport before.

The self-confessed adrenaline junkie pushed himself to improve across several days of training on the demanding Jaufental track even when instructors urged him to slow down.

His determination paid off on race day with the competitors completing three runs and the final descent counting towards the standings. Out of six novices, Sgt Paul claimed first place and was later told he was the fastest novice ever!

He described the experience as a privilege, particularly training alongside GB athletes and working within a supportive team environment.

Sgt Paul also expressed gratitude to his chain of command for enabling him to take part alongside his busy role as a RAF Reservist driver.

For Sgt Paul, who also competes in motorcycle track days, the appeal of speed and technical challenge was irresistible.

He said: “Alpine Luge involves athletes lying feetfirst on a specially adapted sled and hurtling down an ice track at speeds of up to 35mph.

“After securing a place on the team’s novice week I quickly discovered that the sport is far from intuitive.

“Steering requires a strong core, precise technique and the ability to coordinate multiple movements at once, all while carrying a 14kg sled back up the track between runs.

“It feels like trying to do 10 things at once and your brain scrambles to make it all work.

“If you don’t make a corner, you smash into it, with ankle and shoulder injuries among the most common consequences.

“Alpine luge is more about competing with yourself than others and the desire to improve the times. Ultimately it is about trying to achieve the perfect run.

“If you can trust the process and the people, you can get to where you want to be and you should not doubt yourself.”

Sergeant Paul is already looking ahead and hopes to return to compete next year as an intermediate slider.

A spokesperson for RAF St Mawgan said: “If you’re ready to challenge yourself, meet amazing people, and see what you’re truly capable of, the RAF Reserves at RAF St Mawgan are waiting for you.

“Like Sergeant Paul, you might discover new opportunities.

“Find ‘505 Squadron’ on Facebook to find out what they’re up to and to keep an eye on when their next Open Day is. What are you waiting for?”