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Wesley Chapel teen to represent nation at dragon boat races

 
Kaitlyn Robinson of Wesley Chapel will represent the United States at the World National Dragon Boat Championships in Ontario.
Kaitlyn Robinson of Wesley Chapel will represent the United States at the World National Dragon Boat Championships in Ontario.
Published Aug. 12, 2015

WESLEY CHAPEL — Kaitlyn Robinson certainly has her priorities in a row.

The Wesley Chapel teenager has been selected to join the U16 youth dragon boat team that will represent the United States at the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, which begin Wednesday and run through Aug. 23 in Welland, Ontario.

And as determined as she is about excelling in the competition, she is equally determined to make it back home by the 24th — so she won't miss the start of her eighth-grade year in school.

"After two days of boat racing," said Kaitlyn's mother, Dawn Robinson. "She's still determined to make it back for that first day of classes."

A student at John Long Middle School, 13-year-old Kaitlyn has been a member of the Blade Runners Youth Dragon Boat Team of Tampa for two years. Yet, before she was a competitive boater — one who already has won two team medals in Tampa Bay boat races and competed against adult boaters — Kaitlyn was in search of a favorite sport or hobby. She tried soccer, cheerleading and softball. And while she enjoyed all of them, it wasn't until her first dragon boat practice in 2013, with her Girl Scout troop, that she found the perfect fit.

"You work as a team when you're paddling. It's something I can do with my friends," said Kaitlyn, whose first race was in March 2014. "And I love the view when I'm out on the water."

Once she joined the Blade Runners, she learned the art of boating under the tutelage of coach David Nelson.

"Every time I paddle," she said, "I feel stronger."

It was Nelson who recommended that she undergo the rigorous audition process needed to compete in the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, which will take place at the Welland International Flatwater Centre and include upward of 4,000 participants from more than 20 countries.

After undergoing audition exercises that tested her strength and pace as a rower, as well as the way she handles a paddle, Kaitlyn qualified.

"I'm excited," she said with a smile.

Dawn Robinson is proud of her daughter's accomplishments.

"I'm very proud that she has set this goal," she said, "and that she works toward it."

Although Kaitlyn's career goals currently range from teacher to technology expert to house remodeler, she knows she wants to make boating an important part of her future.

"This has been a wonderful experience," she said. "For my family, and for me."