Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY MICHELLE HANTON
What does it take to be selected to represent your state as an elite-level paddler? Rather than considering only raw numbers, state coaches look at behaviour, attitude, teamwork, camaraderie, coachability, and the secret sauce: interaction with others.
The holistic approach ensures that the selected State Squad comprises individuals who are not only physically fit but, most importantly, possess the right attitude and a team-oriented mindset. Sure, there is fitness testing, but that is simply a way for the coaches to assess the fitness levels of State Squad applicants on the day of the selection trials.
“As both a passionate coach and an active paddler at the Manly Dragon Boat Club, I have great personal satisfaction in sharing my love for the sport,” says Jo Sibly, resident of the Wynnum/Manly area, who has the honour of being the coach for the Senior C Dragon Boat Queensland Squad.
Vying for the title of Australian Championships at the upcoming Australian National Dragon Boat Championships, held over six days in April at Lake Kawana, Sunshine Coast will be the Queensland Senior C paddlers – all over 60 years of age.
The athletes come from 11 clubs in Queensland: Brisbane River Dragons, Broadwater, Cooloola, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Kin, Manly Dragons, Maroochy Sea Serpents, Pumicestone, Redcliffe and Te Waka.
Coach Jo attributes her success in dragon boat racing to the great coaches and mentors who guided her journey. “Their impact on my life and paddling career has been significant. It is from them that I gained confidence to become a coach.”
Having participated in state squads and represented Australia in the Green and Gold of the Auroras, Jo sees her role as coach at Manly Dragon Boat Club and stepping into a coaching role for the Senior C State Squad as a way of giving back to the sport she is passionate about.
“Coaching offers a rewarding opportunity to pass on knowledge and watch our members develop their skills and confidence on the water,” said Jo.
