Purpose

The International Dragon Boat Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates the outstanding achievements of the men and women who have made a significant contribution to the sport of dragon boat. Whether it is their excellence on the water or their efforts behind the scene, they have demonstrated their commitment to building our sport and inspired others to achieve their best. The inaugural IDBF Hall of Fame was held in 2021 as a part of the 30th Anniversary celebrations of the IDBF.

The International Dragon Boat Federation is thrilled to announce the inaugural inductees to the IDBF Hall of Fame for 2021.

Lu Jindong 路金栋 – Developer Category (China)

• IDBF 1st Honorary President
• First Chairperson of the Chinese Dragon Boat Association
• Campaigned for and hosted the first IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships in China

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Mike Mackeddie-Haslam – Developer Category (Great Britain)

• Leader of the IDBF for almost 25 years
• IDBF Founder and Honorary IDBF President
• Championships Director 1999 IDBF World Dragon BoatChampionships

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Mike Thomas – Developer Category (Great Britain)

• Current IDBF President
• Chief Official at many IDBF World Championships including the first IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships
• Advocates tirelessly for the IDBF with the international sport community

Robert Wilson – Developer Category (Hong Kong, China)

• First IDBF President
• IDBF Honorary President
• Organised the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat races from 1979 – 1997

Julie Doyle – Developer Category (Ireland)

• Member of British Dragon Boat Team for 16 years
• Established the Irish Dragon Boat Association
• General Secretary EDBF and Vice President IDBF

Bob and Peggy Morro – Developer Category (USA)

• Chief Judge at the first IDBF World Championships
• Both were international officials for two decades
• Created the IDBF Officials License Book
• Organised the first World Championships held in the USA

Peter Jarosi – Developer Category (Hungary)

• Chief Organiser of two IDBF World Championships
• Vice President EDBF and IDBF
• Engaged in dragon boat development from club to national team level

 Don McKenzie – Developer Category (Canada)

• Professor Emeritus Sport and Exercise Medicine at the University of British Columbia
• Spearheaded the development of dragon boat for breast cancer paddlers
• Passionate advocate for the benefits of sport for health

Jon Taylor – Developer Category (Australia)

• Driving force behind the development of dragon boat sport in Australia
• Promoted dragon boat throughout Oceania particularly New Zealand
• Instrumental in Australia’s successful 2007 IDBF World Championships

Kamini Jain – Athlete Category (Canada)

• First international competition was in 1990 in Hong Kong
• First Gold medal was at the1996 IDBF World Championships followed by two decades with Canada’s Premier and Mixed Teams
• Never missed the podium in 30 years

Kevin McFadden – Athlete Category (USA)

• First IDBF World Championships 1995
• Co-captain of Team USA 1995 – 2013
• Medalled in 10 out of 11 World Championship appearances