Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta 18U members Bobby Zhao, Kylie Marshall, Madison Kisinger, Sierra Smith, and Ella Veilleux are among the locals who won medals at the 2025 IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships. (Photo: Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta)

By David Opinko

Southern Alberta dragon boaters win dozens of medals at Worlds

Aug 1, 2025 | 10:42 AM

A group of local dragon boat racers has proven that they are among the very best in the world.

The IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships have wrapped up in Germany, and Canadian athletes brought home more than 100 total medals.

The country’s competitors included 10 from the Dragonboat Association of Southern Alberta (DASA), who won “over 30 medals” at the event.

The medal-winning athletes from the region are Madison Kisinger (18U), Kylie Marshall (18U), Sierra Smith (18U), Ella Veilleux (18U), Bobby Zhao (18U), Mia Chalmet (24U), Linda Kloschinsky (Senior C), Daryle Kalafut (Para), Nicole Schmidt (Para) and Dace Sevcuna (Para).

Coach Karen Johnson says a coach’s pride is reflected in every victory, every breakthrough and every moment of perseverance.

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“I’m incredibly proud of our paddlers’ success at the World Championships. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have truly paid off,” says Johnson. “This achievement is a reflection of everyone’s effort, and I’m honored to have been part of this journey. Congratulations to all—here’s to many more victories ahead!”

Their next major competition will be the Canadian Dragon Boat Championships, being held August 20-24, 2025, in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Quebec.

Full results from the IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships can be found here.