Dragon boat racer gets GB call-up

A LOUGHBOROUGH dragon boat racer has secured a place in the GB U18 squad for the European championships after a gruelling trials session at Liverpool Docks.

Campbell McFarlane (16) is a member of the Soaring Dragons which is now based at Loughborough Boat Club.

At the trials the teenager had to complete a series of tests, split into three disciplines.

• A 500m time trial in a boat called a Trapper, the boat has a helm to steer and then the paddler has to paddle for 500m against the clock.

• A 500m time trial in a boat called an o1, this looks a bit like a canoe with an outrigger on. McFarlane had to paddle another 500m against the clock,return back to the start and paddle another 500m against the clock.

• Fitness test, this involves taking your heart rate then completing a run, 60 Burpees, 60 sit ups 60 press ups and another run. Taking your heart rate again.

After the trials finished, he discovered he had made the squad for the European championships which will be held in Germany this August and will now be attending regular GB training camps as well as training with the Soaring Dragons.

He said: “Hopefully we will return from Germany with either gold, silver or bronze medal.”

• The Soaring Dragons are set to have an open day at their new base at Loughborough Boat Club on Sunday (March 25).

For more information about the club, turn to page 76.