PORT Macquarie Flamin’ Dragons paddler Yvonne Couper has been named NSW Dragon Boating Senior Athlete of the Year for 2026.
Passionate about sport and remaining active, 84-year-old Couper has no plans to slow down.
“I went into dragon boating 21 years ago to support a friend with breast cancer and was immediately hooked,” she said.
“I’d previously competed in marathons and triathlons, but my knees were no longer up to it.
“I like to say that I went from the ultimate individual sport to the ultimate team sport. I love how supportive the dragon boating community is.
“I feel really lucky to be still doing all the things that I do.”
Flamin’ Dragons Head Coach Jenny Higgins was delighted by news of the award.
“Yvonne has received the ultimate award from Dragon Boats NSW,” Higgins said.
“She joined Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie in January 2005, which is 21 years of dedication to the club and paddling.”
In 2009, Couper represented Australia in Dragon Boating in the World Championships in Prague.
She has also represented NSW at the National Championships on 11 occasions and helped coach the Flamin’ Dragons Senior B Women’s crew that competed in the Club Crews World Champs in Taiwan in September.
The popular sport evolved in China more than 2000 years ago, finding its roots in Australia in the early 1980s. The Port Macquarie club was established in 2004.
The local paddlers consistently medal at state, national and international competitions. Their annual June Long Weekend Regatta at Rock’s Ferry draws clubs from across NSW.
For more information on the club, contact flamindragons@y7mail.com
By Rachael THORPE
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