HomeNewsArticle Display

963rd AACS Airman named Female Athlete of the Year

  • Published
  • By John E. Banks
  • Tinker Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Anne Portlock was named the 2007 Tinker Female Athlete of the Year.
   "I was speechless and in total disbelief," said Portlock. The first lieutenant, who is assigned to the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron, said this recognition shocked her and impressed her at the same time.
   "I was really taken aback by this award," she said. "I did not know it even existed and when I was awarded this at a recent Commanders Call, I was definitely unaware and astounded.
   "I am very impressed that the athletic program at the Tinker fitness centers and overall physical fitness program is vitally important here at Tinker and that there is an award for Athlete of the Year. I am truly honored to receive this recognition in front of all my co-workers."
   Portlock's athletic achievements are varied and numerous. She was selected to be a member of the All-U.S. Air Force cross country team. She made the team and represented her service with dignity and honor. She placed fourth in the cross-country event, helping the Air Force to capture the overall championship.
   "Getting the opportunity to represent the Air Force at the cross country championships was one of the highlights of my year," she said. "The 8 kilometer course was incredibly muddy so I was a little disappointed in my time; however, when I saw the final results I was shocked by how far up I finished amongst that level of competition."
   Portlock is an active runner at Tinker. She is a member of the Tinker Running Club and she trains vigorously for each and every event. She participated in the 2007 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and trained for the U.S. Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio; however a leg injury cut short her attempt.
   Additionally, Portlock captured the women's trophy at the 25th Red Bud Run in Oklahoma City this past year.
   "It was the first time I broke 40 minutes in a 10 km race since I was in college," said Portlock.
   Her running career started as a youngster and has continued throughout her three-and-a-half-year Air Force career.
   "I love to run, it is very peaceful and gives you great solitude when you are preparing for the next competition," said Portlock.
   She said she looks forward to continue her running exploits as the 2008 year comes around. Her training regimen includes running three to four times a week, coupled with an aerobic component to her training.
   Her 2008 goals include increasing her training in preparation for the 2008 Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon and the Air Force Cross Country Championships.