ANNA Bay paddler Janine Noonan is savouring one of her finest ever sporting achievements.
The water warrior tasted golden success at the recent Australian Dragon Boat Championships in Sydney by helping the NSW Senior B squad secure three national titles.
An inspirational Noonan demonstrated her endurance and paddling skills in the 50 years plus division – capping a memorable regatta with gold medal triumphs in the Ten Women’s Boat 500m, Mixed 20s boat 500m and a One Kilometre Women’s Tens and Men’s Tens boat, where times for both genders were combined for the overall result.
Janine’s triple treat on the challenging Sydney International Regatta Centre course was the culmination of an intensive training program with the NSW team.
“To participate at the national regatta was an honour indeed but to win all three events is a special milestone,” Noonan told News Of the Area.
“I enjoyed my involvement with the NSW squad and competing at an elite level against the best crews in the land.”
Both state and premium club teams from around the country participated at the top class regatta after navigating a tough qualification process.
Janine, a leading paddler with the Port Stephens Dragon Boat club, took up the sport four and a half years ago and has blossomed into a seasoned state representative.
Qualification for the national titles included an ergometer (ERG) rowing test, in-person physical and in-boat qualifying sessions.
Once selected, the dragon boat paddlers were required to travel to Newcastle every second weekend for specialist training plus additional sessions at the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Hawkesbury River.
Paddlers also completed OC1 resistance training twice a week, three to four weekly gym sessions and regular training with their local clubs.
Port Stephens Dragon Boat Club vice president Karyn Price described the teak-tough Noonan as a “wonderful ambassador for our club.”
“We are all proud of Janine’s achievements and the commitment she has shown to attain such amazing success.”
By Chris KARAS
