SSgt Talei Peters has been an excellent competitor in the sport of Tug of War for several years.
During the 2019 season she continued as one of the senior members of the Army Ladies squad. The 2019 season proved especially difficult with the ATOWA coach, secretary and several squad members being deployed overseas. After a few competitions the decision was made for the team to cease competing due to lack of available personnel, SSgt Peters grasped an opportunity and continued to compete with a leading civilian team, Haldon Ladies, based in Devon.
This involved a lot of travelling for SSgt Peters who, at the time, was assigned to Tidworth. She showed her dedication to the team by travelling to Devon from Tidworth for training sessions twice a week and the on a weekly basis across England for competitions.
She competed at the English National Championships for Haldon Ladies, where they won Silver in 3 of the 4 weight categories. The team were subsequently selected to represent England at both the UK National Championships and European Championships, marking a considerable step up in opposition quality, competing against the best athletes across Europe.
At the UK Championships SSgt Peters attained a Silver Medal representing England in the 560Kg and in the European Championships finishing a credible 5th place.
SSgt Peters remained involved with the Army set up during the 2020 season, committing to the Army Ladies squad after her time away with Haldon Ladies. At the beginning of the delayed 2021 season, SSgt Peters was a key and experienced member of what was now a relatively inexperienced team with new members. Her positive influence over the junior members ensured that the squad steadily improved to the point where they finished 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in the English National Championships, an incredible unprecedented achievement for the team. As part of the Army Ladies team that were selected to represent England at the UK National Championships in 2021, she helped them to achieve a Silver and Bronze Medal.
Also, SSgt Peters was selected as an individual by the National Governing Body to supplement the Bedford Ladies team who represented England at the World Championships in Spain in 2021.
SSgt Peters is nominated for recognition due to her impressive dedication to the sport and her positive portrayal of serving personnel across the civilian elements of our sport up to European and World level.