Could Joyce be the world's oldest paddler?
We believe Joyce is the OLDEST, FITTEST FOR AGE, Breast Cancer Survivor, who still paddles and drums.
In 2024, Bribie Pink Dragons celebrated the 90th birthday of our long-standing member and, still current, drummer and paddler, Joyce Thomas. It was a lovely event with great weather, creative titbits, and a specially crafted individual birthday cake. After cutting her cake, in an emotional few words, Joyce thanked everyone for the camaraderie, the friendship, the love and sisterhood of support in a club where she was "ëver, ever, ever so proud to be a member".
2004 was the year Joyce was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, began the long journey, through lumpectomy surgery and radiation, to wellness.
Several years later, living near the water at Sandstone Point, she spotted a Dragonboat "full of pinkies" through her binoculars and remarked to her husband, “that looks like fun; I would like to do that"! She recounts, seeing an article in a local paper asking Breast Cancer survivors to come and paddle. The phone call was made and two days later, Joyce had her first training in the boat and has been paddling ever since!
In 2023, as the oldest competitor, Joyce attended the IBCPC International Festival in New Zealand where she engaged with, and earned the admiration of, many international teams.
Due to circumstances beyond her control, she is unable to compete in 2026 at the IBCPC event in Aix Les Bains, Lake Bourget, in France.
Our pint sized "energizer bunny" embraces life with a beaming smile and a zest for life unparalleled. It does not matter whether we do an International Women’s day walk or a fundraiser for cancer, she is always an energetic contender. As a previous gymnast in her youth, playing ground sports, tennis, and squash, she has an ongoing determination to keep fit and paddle on! Her enthusiasm is infectious. She is an inspiration to us all.
We know she is the oldest paddler in Australia.
Can you tell us, is she the OLDEST paddler in the WORLD, please?
Paddles Up,
Joie Scheinpflug. Registrar Bribie Pink Dragons
