Clermont, the City of Champions, has another world champion to add to their ranks. Rod Price, the founder and coach of the Clermont Highlander Dragon Boat Club, came home with 3 gold medals from the Dragon Boat World Championship. Price journeyed to Pattaya, Thailand to compete with Team USA.
As a member of the Senior C (60 years or older) Team USA squad, Price helped power the open (men’s) team crew to win an unprecedented 11 gold medals, which included the open, women and mixed crews in Thailand. In past competitions, the Canadians have always dominated the international dragon boat competitions, with the USA earning many of silver and bronze medals.
This year, it was the USA’s turn to take home the gold. “It was a very special experience to be on the podium in a Team USA jersey, with a gold medal around my neck and singing the National Anthem with my teammates. This was my Olympics,” said Price.
Coach Price directs practices for the dragon boat club at the Clermont Boathouse – located at: 1050 Lake Minneola Drive, Clermont, FL 34711.
New Members wanting to learn about dragon boating are always welcome. Practices are held on Wednesdays at 6:15 pm and Saturdays at 8:00 am. “Dragon boating is a great sport of all ages,” says Price.
