Gilbert set to row for Canada at World Dragon Boat Racing Championships

By Lethbridge Herald on July 14, 2023.

Herald Photo by Justin Seward Linda Gilbert practiced her stroke on Henderson Lake recently.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Local senior level dragon boater Linda Gilbert is preparing to don the Team Canada colours for the first time on the international stage as a member of the Senior ‘C’ Sea Women’s team at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Thailand next month.

“So it’ll be exciting and of course nerve wracking,” she said.

“It’ll be new to me, it’s my first time on the world stage for Team Canada. So we’ll just try to keep calm and prepare ourselves as be we can and leave it all out there on the water.”

A preparation strategy is well underway for Gilbert.

“Getting in as much water time as I can with OC1s (outrigger canoe) and the dragon boats, strength training at the gym, cardio, circuit training (and) just trying to get as much in as I can to prepare,” said Gilbert.

“Nutrition plays a big part. So making sure that you’re eating healthy and resting as well. We got to include that.”

Gilbert said it will be an incredible feeling to be able to compete against the best athletes in the world.

“And to know you’re representing your country in the sport of dragon boating, there’s a great sense of camaraderie among the athletes, and we all know how hard everyone worked to get there,” said Gilbert.

Gilbert knows the whole team is competitive.

“Because otherwise we wouldn’t have tried out for it,” she said.

“And I think with having the right mindset to succeed, it is my hope and I’m sure there’s, that we will medal.”

Gilbert began the process of trying out last August when she decided to register for try outs.

 In October, she then competed in the Dragon Boat Canada Showcase camp in Burnaby, B.C. where she went through the OC1 time trials, the paddling Ergometer (Erg)testing and dragon boat training sessions that had video reviews with the head coaches.

It was again in January and March that she had to submit Erg time trials and the required strength drills.

“They want to see how you’re progressing and if you’re improving, (and) you know you’re doing your work and doing that improving throughout the year,” recalled Gilbert.

The final selection camp was held over the May long weekend in Ottawa.

“Well it’s nerve-wracking because you’re competing for a seat amongst top paddlers,” said Gilbert.

“But once I get into an OC1 or a dragon boat, these nerves fade away, because I’m in my happy place.”

“I think just being a proud Canadian and wanted to represent Canada in this sport,” said Gilbert, on the opportunity.

She will be joined by Taber’s Romina Senneker, a previous national paddler, the four youth paddlers of Mia Chalmet , Ella Veilleux, Liberty Fuentes and Sierra Smith at the championships.

She plans to stay in Thailand after the championships to explore the country and learning the culture.

The championship is Aug. 7-13 in Pattaya, Thailand.