Why isn’t dragon boating in the Olympics?

It’s one of the fastest-growing paddle sports in the world, with thousands of athletes, global competitions, and a history spanning over 2,000 years — so why hasn’t it made it to the Olympic stage?

In this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie and Hando break it all down, straight off the back of the Australian National Championships at Kawana.

From race highlights and standout performances to what’s next for the sport globally, this episode connects the local scene to the international stage.

🔥 In this episode:

•  Aussie Nationals recap from the Sunshine Coast 
•  The pathway to Club Crew World Championships in Taiwan 
•  The scale and global growth of dragon boating 
•  Why the sport is pushing for Olympic recognition 
•  The reality behind federations, formats, and Olympic inclusion 

Plus:
 👉 The introduction of Hando’s Phantom Call — a new interactive segment where clubs can get involved and win.

This is more than just a recap, it’s a conversation about where paddle racing is heading next.

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