Craig Hagan

“I first started dragon boating close to 9 years ago when my school science teacher from the Philippines took us on a school excursion. I found my first session to be so enjoyable and challenging that ever since that day I haven’t stopped.

There are so many memories compiled from over the years, from my first Worlds in France, Worlds in Thailand, to World Cup, Asian championships and University racing with Melbourne University all in China. In 2018, we, the Australian national team, were lucky enough to spend time training at the Chinese national team’s facilities, closely observed by some current and ex national team paddlers. We were honoured to receive feedback, establish relationships and most importantly, race against the same group that had offered us guidance. Overall, some of the best memories reside in amazing people who I’ve been fortunate enough to network with in my journey; each and every athlete’s struggles and triumphs tell a different tale which sticks with me.”

[Craig Hagan (Melbourne, VIC, Australia), paddler on Yarra River Dragons, Australian national team, Melbourne University Dragon Boat Club.]

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