In July 2025, MLC School Old Girl, Cassandra Ballebye (Tang, 1997) proudly pulled on the green and gold to represent Australia at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. This marked her third international campaign, following appearances in 2024 at the 15th Asian Dragon Boat Championships in Hong Kong and the 4th IDBF World Cup in Miluo, China.

Racing in both mixed and women’s crews across four intense distances, Cassandra helped the women’s team earn four hard-fought bronze medals at this year’s event. 

Cassandra has been involved in the sport for over five years and has seen firsthand the rise in popularity of dragon boat racing across the world. Dragon boating is a true team sport with a rich cultural history, with success being about unity and perseverance as much as it is about speed and strength. 

The increasing popularity of dragon boating among women has resulted in a greater number assuming leadership roles within the sport, fostering environments where teamwork and mutual support are prioritised; ideals which align closely with the core values of dragon boat racing. Women’s leadership is also credited as being instrumental in shaping the sport’s growth and inclusivity. 

MLC School congratulates Cassy on her incredible success in dragon boat racing, both as a strong, skilled athlete and as a leader in the dragon boating community. We have no doubt that Cassy will continue to inspire others both on and off the water.