Name: Hayley Johnston-Coutts
Age: 38
Team: Dragons Abreast and Dog paddle Victoria
When did you start dragon boat racing? I started in 2001, after I had undergone 12 months surgery and treatment for breast cancer
Why did you get involved? I was looking for something physical in my life. I wasn’t keen on coffee and support groups so I looked into dragon boating. I discovered that it was what I needed to feel alive after being so physically devastated after my treatment.
Have you always been interested in sports? I played a lot of sport all my life. Softball, hockey, ladies cricket, surf lifesaving, surfing. I have also coached and managed many different team sports over the years.
Have you ever won any races? Yes, my crew Dog Paddle has been lucky enough to win the Darling Harbour Chinese New year event for the last 2 years. We have also won the Melbourne International for the last 2 years for our class. The highlight would be a bronze medal at the Australian Titles in 2003 in the Dragons Abreast boat.
What’s the best thing about dragon boat racing? The teamwork and commitment within the crew.
What’s the funniest/ most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you whilst racing/training? In my first year of sweep (steering the boat) I was very anxious about keeping a straight line. Well, the boat took off on me and slewed sideways, I tried to bring it back but over corrected and it slewed the other way. We managed to zig zag down the entire length of a 500-metre course. Very embarrassing!!!!
Do you work or are you still studying? I work full time and am completing and Arts degree by distance (final year).
How do you fit the training times into your busy schedule? I make time. We train midweek at 6.oopm. We live an hour and a half from the Yarra river and hauling in the kids isn’t easy but it is so much fun when you get there that the effort is certainly worthwhile.
How can young people get involved? Get onto the web site at
http://www.dragonboatfestival.net/ and register your interest to get involved. Most crews are always looking for extra paddlers, you just need to find the crew that suits your competitive or social aspirations.
