Lethbridge paddlers show off their medals from the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. (L-R: Romina Senneker, Liberty Fuentes, Ella Veilleux, Sierra Smith, Mia Chalmet, Linda Gilbert), August 29 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Christian Oldale

Lethbridge paddlers help Canada earn top spot in Dragon Boat Championships

Aug 29, 2023 | 1:34 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Canada had an impressive showing at the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, and a few local athletes were represented on the teams.

The championships were held in Pattaya, Thailand from August 7 to 13, 2023. Six Lethbridge athletes represented Canada across the competition, all of them paddlers.

Liberty Fuentes and Mia Chalmet represented the U18 team, and Sierra Smith and Ella Veilleux were on the U16 squad. Two adults also competed; Romina Senneker and Linda Gilbert for the Sr. B and Sr. C divisions.

Chalmet said the tournament was a big change for her, being the first time she competed and represented Canada on the international stage.

She explained, “The experience was enlightening to say the least. I’ve never competed at the international level before, so that in itself was way different than anything I have experienced before.”

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Chalmet added, “Representing my country and having that honour was really great.”

Canada earned top spot in the competition, securing 52 gold, 36 silver and 13 bronze medals at the event with 351 races.

Team Canada also won all four cups, including the World’s Nations Cup, Seniors Cup, Juniors Cup, and Women’s Cup.

Linda Gilbert said she hopes the success of Canada at the event, and the Lethbridge athletes, can bring more attention to the sport, and lead to more opportunities.

Gilbert explained, “We’re hoping that this will provide hope for a future clubhouse and training facility that we see in other clubs across Canada.”

Canada will look to continue its dominance on the international stage with the 14th Club Crew World Championships taking place in Ravenna, Italy from September 5 to 8, 2024.

The next IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships will be in Germany in 2025.

Read more local sports at Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.