30/06/2026
Today’s Malacca Headlines | Braving the 8km Malacca River Challenge: 80-Year-Old Australian Grandmother Makes Her International Dragon Boat Debut
(Malacca, June 27 News) If an 80-year-old grandmother can act as a drummer and lead a dragon boat crew to complete an arduous 8-kilometer challenge, it proves that where there is a will, anything can be achieved!
The 2026 Malacca Dragon Boat Championship grandly commenced today at 8:00 AM on the Malacca River. The event attracted 24 powerful teams competing on the same stage, including dragon boat clubs, universities, and corporate teams from Australia, Brunei, Singapore, the Philippines, and various states across Malaysia.
The most inspiring highlight of this year's tournament belongs to an all-female team from Australia. Personally led by their 80-year-old drummer, Lynette, they crossed the ocean to beat the drum and forge ahead, showcasing that women are by no means inferior to men. Australia dispatched two teams to the event, one of which competed in the mixed division.
Speaking to China Press after the race, Lynette confessed that this was her very first time participating in an international dragon boat tournament. Previously, she had only paddled locally in Perth, Australia. Having been involved in the sport for four and a half years, her physical stamina and determination at 80 years old are not inferior to younger individuals in the slightest.
Under the leadership of the 80-year-old drummer, the Australian all-female dragon boat crew paddled hard and forged ahead, becoming one of the most inspirational images on the racecourse.
When asked if her advanced age affected her performance, Lynette smiled and said it was absolutely not an issue. She explained that races back in Australia are typically 1 or 2 kilometers long. Although the 8-kilometer course was significantly longer, it did not daunt her because most of the team members possess athletic backgrounds and boast quite excellent physical fitness.
"Many people in Perth love sports, especially water sports," she said.
She revealed that the biggest challenge of this 8km race was paddling against a very strong river tide, which demanded a high level of technique and endurance. Fortunately, thanks to their frequent training back home in Australia, they had accumulated rich experience, allowing her to face it calmly.
After the race, Chew Chuee Meng, Chairman of the Malacca Dragon Boat Promotion Association, offered his blessings to Lynette and expressed deep admiration for the endurance of this elderly competitor traveling from so far away.
"To still come all this way to compete at 80 years old—her determination is truly remarkable! This grandmother-level athlete has proven through her actions that the dragon boat spirit knows no age limits," he stated.
Discussing her future plans, Lynette stated that she will definitely return to Malacca to compete again. She shared that she plans to stay in Malacca for a few days to sightsee, then spend a few days touring Kuala Lumpur before flying back to Australia.
Although many members of the Australian all-female dragon boat team are older, their spirit and stamina are on par with the youth, proving that with heart and strength, age is just a number.
Other Featured Highlights in the Article:
The Pink Challengers Dragon Boat Club (Malaysia): The article highlights Malaysia’s first-ever dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors. Founded 21 years ago, the club now includes over 60 survivors of breast, colon, cervical, and brain cancers ranging from ages 40 to over 70. They emphasize that the repetitive upper-body paddling motion actually promotes lymphatic circulation and helps manage lymphedema after surgery, while sending a message that "cancer is not the end of life."
The Brunei Dragon Boat Team: Competing in Malacca for the first time, this 14-member team (ages 46 to 73) expressed how special it felt to race through such a historic waterway surrounded by the ancient city's unique atmosphere.
Race Logistics & Safety: Chairman Chew Chuee Meng explained that the 8km marathon course began at the mouth of the Malacca River, paddled up to the Spice Garden cruise jetty, and looped back. Because the Malacca River canals are narrow, teams held safety meetings prior to the race to stress courtesy and yielding, particularly around the tight bends, to avoid collisions.
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（马六甲27日讯）80岁奶奶都能当鼓手引领龙舟完成8公里挑战，证明有心，万事都可办到！2026年马六甲龙舟锦标赛今日上午8时在马六甲河盛大启幕，吸引来自澳洲、汶莱、新加坡、菲律宾及马来西亚各地龙舟俱乐部、大学及企.....
