Danielle Lappin, Reporter

THE crew of HMS Vigilant have been taking on sporting challenges of their own while competitors tackle events in Rio at the Olympics.

The crew recently undertook their own underwater Olympiad during s deterrent patrol, which saw them tackle a series of fitness challenges including a rowing contest, triathlon event and NAVYfit and Fitness First challenges.

Chief Petty Officer Bathgate, sports officer for HMS Vigilant, said: “Competition is a great motivator for staying fit and plays a vital role in our life in the Royal Navy.

“It means we hone our leadership, teamwork and self-discipline, so we can perform at our vry best both on and off the sports field.”

The limited space on board, and the need for the submarine to remain silent, meant that the events were unique to the underwater environment and brought their own particular challenges.

“The atmosphere on a submarine is enclosed so the body is put to a different test than it would elsewhere,” said Surgeon Lieutenant Tweed, the vessel’s Medical Officer.

“While oxygen levels are not usually lower in a submarine than they are on land, muscles fatigue quicker because carbon dioxide tends to be higher. The chemical receptors in the body which stimulate breathing are driven by carbon dioxide and so it’s likely that submariners will be more breathless when exercising on a submarine.”

Despite being breathless, 29 members of the crew attacked the first underwater event, a Fitness First challenge, with all that they had. It featured a series of trials tailored specifically to test their strength, speed, power and endurance over nine different stances. Taking first place in the event was Petty Officer Pearson.

This was followed by a NAVYfit challenge over nine stances which saw 39 crew members participate and Engineering Technician Davies come out on top.

Towards the end of their deterrent mission the crew resurrected the competition in the form of a four nations challenge. Submariners from Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales battling it out. Scotland took first place with CPO Dewar and PO Gallagher gaining the glory.

Up next was the rowing competition which called for a team of 50 individuals to row 1km each in the quickest possible time. Despite shaving a second off his personal best, Lieutenant Commander Lewis was defeated by the boat’s CO.

The rest of the crew combined their efforts and shaved almost three minutes off last years’ time coming in at two hours, 58 minutes and 27 seconds.

As if that wasn’t enough fitness activity for one patrol, the boat’s Coxswain Sheekey volunteered for a sponsored run, row, cycle and versi-climb of the height of Ben Nevis. His fantastic efforts raised £995 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).

Speaking about the crew’s efforts, CPO Bathgate said: “The focus on fitness helps the Royal Navy remain effective in protecting our nation’s interests as part of the UK’s Armed Forces. We call it ‘NAVYfit’ and it’s why we champion a huge variety of sports, delivered through world-class facilities, whether onshore or even on a dived submarine.”