Gale Garcia

“I paddle harder, faster and deeper, mending my broken heart & making me fit! I am now wiser & stronger!

Standing 5’5, from 90 kg to 60kg, overweight, insecure, timid and broken-hearted, my life transformation started when I started dragon boat in 2016. Yes, you read that right.

Argo Naga is a diverse team not only for Malaysians; it is a community that motivates you to be a better version of yourself with paddlers from different parts of the world. The support from coaches and teammates in all realms of life is heartwarming and empowering.

Looking back, I have not been involved in any other team sports. I was a fat kid all my life, teased and called a ‘Siopao’ (Siew Pao Chinese), as I was born with a round, fair, and fat face.

 Ever since then, I have struggled with being healthy, fit, and simply confident of who I am. When I started my fitness journey with dragon boat when a friend of mine invited me three years ago, I did not take it seriously; it was only out of boredom, change of environment and my way of healing and moving on from the ending of a long-term relationship. Fast forward a bit, and I’d acquired discipline, commitment and persistence, and after months and years, I was overwhelmed with the amazing changes it gave my body and soul. Truly, self-improvement is not impossible!  With a grateful heart, I will continue to support my team and be an inspiration.”

[Gale Garcia (Malaysia & Philippines), paddler on Argo Naga.]

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