Team USA Breast Cancer Paddlers

A New Chapter Begins...

The 2027 Cycle Begins: Building on Our Historic Success

Historic Performance in 2025:

3 Silver, 3 Bronze Medals • First-ever BCP Division • Brandenburg, Germany • July 14-20, 2025

We Did It – We Made History.

After a rigorous selection process, Team USA's inaugural Breast Cancer Paddler team competed on the world's biggest stage. Thirty-nine exceptional athletes represented the United States at the 17th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Brandenburg, Germany – marking the first time in the championship's 30-year history that a Breast Cancer Paddler division competed.

"We are excited and honored to represent Team USA at the Dragon Boat World Championships. This opportunity is not just about competition; it's about celebrating life, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity." – Head Coach Angela Long

Championship Recap: Excellence Under Pressure

Our team competed with distinction at the prestigious Beetzsee Regatta Course in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. The world-class venue, equipped with Olympic-standard timing systems, hosted over 4,500 athletes and supporters from around the globe, and Team USA BCP rose to the occasion.

Facing harsh conditions and incredibly close competition, our athletes demonstrated the heart, skill, and determination that earned them their place on this historic team. The bonds formed through this championship experience have created a sisterhood that extends far beyond the medals won.

Part of a Global Movement

Team USA joins a powerful international movement that began in 1996 when Dr. Don McKenzie challenged medical thinking by proving that breast cancer survivors could thrive through rigorous upper body exercise. Today, this movement spans 380 teams across 40 countries with approximately 20,000 paddlers worldwide.

Our participation isn't just about winning medals – though we're absolutely going for gold. We're ambassadors for a community that believes in wellness, empowerment, and showing the world that there is vibrant life after a breast cancer diagnosis.

2027 Program Goals

WIN GOLD at the 2027 IDBF World Championships in Hong Kong.
Identify, recruit, develop, and prepare the nation’s top breast cancer survivor paddlers to compete at the highest international level.
Create a clear pathway for BCS paddlers to develop as high-performance athletes and future Team USA competitors.
Showcase the strength, resilience, athleticism, and competitive potential of breast cancer survivors on the international stage.
Field both a competitive Standard Boat and Small Boat in the Team USA BCP division at the 2027 IDBF World Championships.