Armadale dragon boat paddler Julia Ward will represent Australia in the International Dragon Boat Federation’s World Nations Championships hosted by China in August next year.
The 17-year-old is an expert at time management, balancing training three times a week at the Champion Lakes Regatta Centre, preparing for her exams and part-time employment.
She was selected to represent WA at the Dragon Boat Championship held in Adelaide earlier this year, where they won a bronze medal for WA.
Following the championships she underwent a fitness assessment before being invited to attend a selection camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra for a place in the squad.
She said she was excited at the opportunity to represent Australia.
“Its amazing, I can’t believe I got a chance to represent Australia, it’s one of the biggest things I’ve ever done,” she said.
She will now undergo a gruelling fitness routine to make sure she’s ready for the competition.
“I’ll be doing a lot of gym work, I have a lot of requirements, videos of my technique and fitness videos.
“I have to do gym, do the benchmarks and I have to be better at them every time,” she said.
It’s been a quick rise to the top after Ms Ward started with the Lakers Dragon Boating Club last year and won the title of fairest and best.
She said the sport was a lot of fun.
“Initially my friend suggested it to me, I loved watching it and wanted to be in the boat,” she said.
“I like being in a team and being amongst people that love the sport as well.
“Being in the water and competing against other crews is rewarding.”
The City of Armadale supported Julia with a $150 voucher to go toward her travel costs .
Mayor Henry Zelones said they were pleased to be involved in her sporting pursuit.
“We are very proud to recognise Julia’s achievement, being the only competitor to be selected from WA,” he said.
