73-Year-Old Paddler Does 50 Push-Ups After Beating Cancer

At 50, a breast cancer diagnosis made her feel like she'd lost control of everything. After surgery, radiation, and a hysterectomy, she was grateful to be alive but knew she needed to commit to real change.

That's when she joined Dragons Abreast, a dragon boat racing team for breast cancer survivors. She'd never paddled before, but watching these strong women glide across the water ignited something inside her.

Dragon boat paddling became her lifeline. The full-body workout engaged muscles she didn't know she had, working her core, back, shoulders, and legs in perfect rhythm. Training twice a week turned into four times, then five.

She picked up weights for the first time in her life during winter training sessions. Circuit training, pool paddling, and strength work built not just muscle but confidence. Learning to move in sync with her teammates challenged her, but excellent coaching kept her form sharp both on water and in the gym.

The commitment paid off in ways she never imagined. At 60 and 63, she represented Canada's National Team in international competitions. Today at 73, she still trains four to five days a week with the MakaKoa Outrigger club in Toronto.

Her current routine includes virtual strength training sessions with coach Julia Shelley, mixing upper and lower body work depending on her paddling schedule. Each session involves seven to eight exercises with three sets of eight to 12 reps. Those 50 consecutive push-ups she can knock out? Just one sign of her hard-earned strength.

Lower body work gets extra attention now. Goblet squats, calf raises, leg extensions, and walking lunges keep her legs powerful. Kettlebell swings develop the explosive power that translates directly to her paddle stroke.

Nutrition became the missing piece two years ago. She cut sugar, processed snacks, and alcohol, focusing instead on whole foods and significantly more protein. Now she eats five meals daily, aiming for 30 grams of protein each time through Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, hemp seeds, and eggs.

Hydration transformed her performance too. She went from barely tracking water intake to drinking three to four liters daily. When osteoporosis appeared a few years ago, she added weekly visits to OsteoStrong, a wellness center with specialized machines that stimulate bone growth.

Why This Inspires

Community made all the difference. Dragons Abreast gave her a sisterhood of women who understood the fear and isolation of cancer. That support network expanded into a wider paddling community that continues to lift her up daily.

She refuses to let age define her limits. After watching her daughter-in-law compete in a HYROX race this year, she's setting her sights on tackling her first race this November at 73.

Taking on a new sport in your 50s isn't easy, but that's exactly the point: growth comes from trying new things and discovering just how strong you really are.