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 International Dragon Boat Federation is thrilled to announce the inductees to the IDBF Hall of Fame for 2025.

Hou Hung-Chang 侯鴻章 – Coach Category (Chinese Taipei)

• International coaching success: Led Chinese Taipei team to 65 international medals, including record-breaking Asian Games results.
• Innovative training methods: Combines traditional techniques with sports science, emphasizing team synergy, endurance and athlete well-being.
• Grassroots development: Nurturing the next generation of dragon boat talent through foundational development at Hualien Physical Education Senior High School.

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Colleen Middendorf – Athletes Category (USA)

• Legacy & dedication: With deep family ties to the sport, Colleen has been competing since the age of 13.
• Elite athlete & champion: Represented USA in five Premier cycles including winning Nations Cup twice and being the youngest US Premier athlete at World Dragon Boat Racing Championships.
• Leader & coach: Coached at two World DragonBoat Championships, known for team leadership, drive and consistency.
• Raymond is an invaluable part of the management group at World Championships.

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Christopher Alexandrou – Athlete Category (Australia)

• Champion & coach: Competed in over 10 and coached 15 international regattas across club, national and international levels. Played a key role in shaping the national team identity, proudly known as ‘The Auroras’.
• Lifelong paddler & leader: 22 years in the sport -paddler, helm, national team coach, mentor, even occasional drummer.
• Athlete advocate: Represented athlete interests nationally through the Australian Dragon Boat Federation and internationally as a member of theIDBF Athlete Commission (2017).

Barbara Michaels – Developer Category (USA)

• Dragon boating in USA: 30+ years of service, led key committees, managed Team USA, drove governance and championship development.
• International sport contributor: IDBF Race Official, Council member, Championship Director, co-launched CanAm event with Canada.
• Grassroots to elite impact: Co-founded local festival, supported BCP crews, excels in both strategic leadership and hands-on event delivery.

Matthew Smith – Developer Category (Canada)

• National & international dragon boat development: President of Dragon Boat Canada (2006-17), Vice President of IDBF (2013 – present), founder of Pan
  American Dragon Boat Federation (2013).
• Coached Canadian National Premier Women to global success: His “athlete-first approach” led the team to podium finishes since 2009.
• Built long-term foundations: Mentored coaches, developed future talent, upheld high performance standards.

Claudio Schermi – Developer Category (Italy)

• Global sport leader & organiser: President of IDBF, President of EDBF, led the Italian Dragon Boat Federation, organised World & European
  Dragon Boat Championships.
• Coach & athlete: Olympic level kayak coach, winning 30+ Italian Championship titles, dragon boat paddler since 1988.
• Breast Cancer Paddler (BCP) advocate: Supporting and championing breast cancer paddling initiatives globally.