Hartord - A challenge like no other

by Stephen Li

Hartford was a new race venue for many of the DC Dragons. But after some good training leading to this race the team was fully prepared for an intense weekend of racing. The weekend itself was incredibly warm and with many good teams coming to Connecticut this was going to be an eventful weekend.

SATURDAY

Race 1: 500m Qualifiers

On our first race we were drawn in the lane next to DCH. Many of us knew about their credentials as a top tier team so we knew we had our work cut out. Before we knew it, the starters had already called 'GO.' There was strong currents in the river meaning the starters weren't going to keep boats at the starting line for long. And in this first race it caught us by surprise. DCH rocketed away at the start putting us under immediate pressure. The team battled on gamely yet we trailed in second place.

DCH 2.22.48, DC Dragons 2.29.57, Living Root 2.46.80, Booze Allen 2.46.92

As it turns out, after the rest of the heats took place, we found ourselves with the 4th fastest time of the day. This placed us as one of the favourite seeds in the following day's semifinals. Great start to the day!

Race 2: 200m Qualifiers

In a different race format than we were accustomed to, our next race was the 200m qualifier. After not being fully ready for the start in the first race, were we about to make the same mistake? You bet not! We had a blistering start, leaving all the other teams behind and the race was finished within a flash! We came in first place and team morale was seemingly neverending.

DC Dragons 59.79, GSK 1.06.28, Boston 1.07.28, Ocean State 1.13.91

Race 3: 200m Semifinals

Coming into this race the team knew had one objective: come in first place to qualify for the 'A' finals. For this race we were pitted against DCH II, who are just as good as their main team over the shorter distances. This was a true fight, and not only did our team wanted to win, we backed it up with our paddling. Neck and neck throughout the race the two teams seemed inseparable. However, every time we put on a surge DCH were able to keep with us stroke by stroke. The finish was called... Second place. We managed to fight every step of the way, but it was the finish where we just needed that little bit more.

DCH II 58.36, DC Dragons 59.60, Boston 1.05.04, GSK 1.08.10

Although there was an air of disappointment with the result, the team knew that Sunday was another day. Time to regroup and get some good rest. And of course time for some good food at the team dinner!

SUNDAY

Race 1: 500m Semifinal

First race of the day was the 500m semifinal. Drawing on the lessons learnt from the previous day and the pain from narrowly missing out in the 200m 'A' finals, the team channeled this energy onto the boat. Again the focus was to win the heat to qualify for the major finals. So how would this go? We managed to pull out our trademark start leaving all the other teams behind, stroke rate was good and power was good. Full commitment from the whole team had lead us to a very convincing win!

DC Dragons 2.28.52, Ottawa Police 2.37.82, GSK 2.40.74, Wall Street Black 2.48.20

Race 2: 200m 'A' minor final

200m minor finals was next and we were up against our good rivals, Wall Street Black. On the start line you could feel the tension and the silence was deafening. Both crews down and ready...... attention... .... GO!!!!! What a start!!! The boat lifted on the first stroke, through the ups the boat speed climbed, and climbed and climbed. And then into reach, power was maintained. But against the premier teams there are no easy races. We saw at the finish line, Wall Street crossing at exactly the same time and it was a photo finish.

With suspense building, we got off the boat and headed back to tent for a team talk. When the official results was published, Captain Carol came to bring us the good news that we had beat Wall Street by a tenth of a second! Two wins out of two for the day. Not bad indeed!

DC Dragons 58.56, Wall Street Black 58.66, Ottawa Police 59.36, Pittsburgh 1.06.08

Race 3: 500m 'A' major final

Onto our final race, we were hungry to win. The pre-race team talk had left everyone pumped up to give everything they had left in the tank after a tiring weekend. The extreme focus on everyone's faces was apparent. We had already suprassed many people's expectations in reaching these finals. We were up against arguably the three top teams in the Eastern Region this season in DCH, MAD and Wall Street.

Final race, last effort, now or never, all teams set and........”GO! !!!” Pulling off the line with another good start. This time we knew there was no holding back. Every call that was made, the team responded in kind. Every time the other teams fought, we fought as hard as our muscles could give. Adrenaline pumping, we willed our bodies to give more. And in just over 2 minutes the race was over. However, crossing the finish line we knew we had only come in fourth.

DCH 2.13.62, MAD 2.14.85, Wall Street 2.17.70, DC Dragons 2.25.96

We gave it our all but it wasn't good enough this time around. However, there is nothing wrong with getting beat by the better teams. We'll be back stronger for sure...its the DC Dragon way!

REFLECTION

This was to be another great weekend of racing. There certainly is more to Dragon Boat Racing than just winning. Over the weekend, I believe our team exemplified the positives of sportsmanship and teamwork. So much so that the organizers had actually wished us good luck for the final 500m race while knowing that we had surpassed expectations and were facing very tough opposition. And it is these trademark qualities that keeps the DC Dragon spirit alive and makes this team so special.

Thanks to the great team that had come to Hartford for this event. Each one of you made it possible...

DC Dragons - All as one!



200m Qualifier - Far lane to close lane - GSK - DC DRAGONS - Dragon boat Club of Boston - Ocean City Dragons