{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Paddles Ready","title":"EP12: Does Dragon Boating Even Need the Olympics? | Ben Livingstone","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2345,"description":"Does dragon boating really need the Olympics to succeed?\nIt's a question that's sparked debate for years and in this episode of Paddles Ready, Dougie, Hando and Australian representative Ben Livingstone tackle it head-on.\nBen's journey into dragon boating is one many paddlers can relate to. After discovering the sport through a corporate regatta, he quickly fell in love with the competition, camaraderie and culture, eventually earning the honour of representing Australia on the world stage.\nThe conversation explores what it truly takes to reach the elite level, from the sacrifices athletes and their families make to the realities of balancing training, work and life. Ben also shares his passion for growing the sport through schools, youth pathways and community participation.\nThe episode finishes with a lively debate on one of dragon boating's biggest talking points: should the sport continue chasing Olympic inclusion, or is its future stronger outside the Olympic movement?\nIn this episode:Ben Livingstone's journey from corporate paddler to Australian representativeThe sacrifices required to compete at the highest levelWhy corporate regattas are one of the sport's greatest recruitment toolsGrowing dragon boating through schools and youth programsHow clubs can attract and retain the next generation of paddlersDoes dragon boating really need the Olympics?Plus:👉 60 Seconds with Dougie featuring Nina from AustCham Singapore🔥 Hando's Hot Take: Has the Olympic conversation become a distraction for dragon boating?\nWhether you're chasing a national jersey, coaching your local club or simply love being on the water, this episode is packed with honest insights about where the sport is today and where it's heading.\n🌏 Visit paddlesready.com🎧 Subscribe and follow to stay connected to the global paddle community.","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/g9vPE77aj-FfxIVa0T7RvQUDWd2_aSDp2JJUloZw76A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8xNjll/ODMzZTVjY2RiYWMx/ZTk1ODIxOWUzMTQw/Y2NlNy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}