Local paddlers compete

Local dragon boaters were victorious at the World Dragon Boat Championships in Hungary last month, with the Australian team winning 35 medals.

The Australian team included 26 Docklands paddlers from local teams the Melbourne Flames, Dragon Masters, Yarra River Dragons and CYSM Sea Dragons. All four teams train out of Shed 2.

Melbourne Flames coach, Serghei Cusca, is also coach of the Australian team and said he was very happy with the results.

“This is the largest representation by Australia at the world championships with the best ever result,” Mr Cusca said.

Melbourne Flames paddler and Australian captain Georgina Wakim agreed with Mr Cusca, saying: “These championships have been absolutely awesome.”

“The training and personal commitment is all worth it,” Ms Wakim said.

The Australian team won 15 gold medals, 16 silver and four bronze at the world championships.

Next year’s World Dragon Boat Championships will be held in Ravena, Italy.