WITH only 18-months of dragon boating experience, Camden Haven’s Mikayla Jobson is enjoying remarkable success in the sport.
The Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club member secured a trio of gold medals at the Australian Dragon Boat Championships (AusChamps) held at Sydney International Regatta Centre in late April.
Mikayla was part of the Northern Region National Team that won gold in all four of its events.
The all-age team consisted of both male and female paddlers, with members representing clubs from Ballina to Newcastle.
Mikalya joined the Camden Haven club after encouragement from a TAFE teacher and club president Anni Yaringa, having tried “just about every other sport from tennis to touch”.
“As soon as I joined the Camden Haven Dragon Boat Club, not only was I really good at it right from the beginning, but the community was just so supportive and caring.”
After receiving further encouragement from Annie, Mikayla next decided to attend the trials for the Northern Region National Team.
The process was rigorous and included fitness testing, as well as solo padding in a Dragon Boat with a counter weight for set distances and times.
“As I am fairly new to paddling I didn’t get my hopes up to be included in the team,” she said.
“It felt really good to be selected.”
Winning multiple gold medals with the team at the AusChamps was a surreal moment for Mikayla.
“I have never won anything in my life before, not a trophy or never gold,” she said.
“This was the first time and I walked away with three gold medals.
“It was such an unreal feeling.
“I didn’t realise I could do any of this.”
Mikayla said the wins were the result of teamwork and training.
“The boat was so powerful and strong,” she said.
“Everyone had trained so hard prior to this event and put in so much effort at the championships.”
By Kim AMBROSE
