Teen enjoys sweet taste of success

The meteoric rise of young dragon boat rower Elsie Edmonds continued on the world stage when the teenager claimed three medals at the International Dragon Boat Festival World Dragon Boat Championships in France.

The 14-year-old from Walpole, representing the under-16 Australian Auroras, claimed two gold medals and one silver in the 2000m, 500m and 200m events.

Elsie, who represents the Denmark Dragon Boat Club, was selected for the team seven months ago for the 13th world championships, held in Divonne-Les-Bain, and which concluded last Sunday.

Denmark Dragon Boat Club coach Maureen Cowdell was full of praise for Elsie, who started dragon boating only 18 months ago and trained four times a week in preparation, as well as doing additional fitness work in the lead-up.

“Her training had to progress from novice to elite once she was selected for the national side,” she said. “She’s a real team player and she deserves all the accolades she gets.

“She’s been working so hard.”

This was the third time Australia had sent junior teams to the championships, which were won overall by Canada. Cowdell said Elsie was a shining light for the club.

“She strives hard to do every-thing she’s instructed to do,” she said.

“She’s worked really hard on her general fitness and she doesn’t miss a training.”