Coaches & Team Captains

         
Head Coach - Christopher Alexandrou

The Sloths Dragon Boat Club has some of the best dragon boat coaching in the country. Coach Christopher "Zeus" Alexandrou has a proven track record of successful coaching at club, state, national and international levels. He has been a part of the Sloths coaching team since 2001, taking on the Head Coach role in 2009, and has guided the club to numerous State, National and Club Crew World Championships medals.

Training with the Sloths is the perfect preparation for paddling at a representative level. Drawing on his experience with elite crews, Zeus knows what it takes to win, and can train you to get there.

Assistant Coach - Jon Detjen

Jon "Detch" Detjen has been dragon boating since 2005. He first represented NSW and Australia in 2006 and 2007 respectively. Most recently he represented Australia's Senior A squad in 2019. With coaching experience since 2008, and a decade of working with the best coaches in Australia, he became a valuable member of the Sloths coaching team in 2016. Under his coaching, the women won bronze at NSW State Champs in 2019, bronze at Chinese New Year 2020 with just 19 paddlers and silver at NSW State Champs in 2021! After some time off to be with his young family, Detch is back as the our Assistant Coach.

Open's Captain - Andrew Chan

In August 2021, I rejoined the world of dragon boating with The Sloths, 15 years after my initial experience with a social club where I only paddled for one season. Despite my limited background in sports, I have since created some of my most cherished memories of camaraderie, joy, and fitness with The Sloths. The work ethic, culture, and wealth of experience at The Sloths have provided me with a unique platform to rebuild my body, enhance my mental resilience, and transform myself athletically.

I am truly humbled to serve as the Captain of the indominable Sloths Men's crew. This crew boasts two decades of history, created and developed by some of the most seasoned and accomplished paddlers in the sport. My commitment is to uphold and expand on that legacy by supporting each paddler in achieving their individual goals and by continuing to nurture what makes our club exceptional.

Over the past three years, I have been fortunate to be selected for the NSW Premier State team from 2022-2024. Additionally, I have had the honour of representing Australia in the Premier division for Asian Championship 2022 and 2024, World Championships 2023 and the World Cup 2024. This has given me the opportunity to compete against some of the strongest National Dragonboat teams from around the World.

I am proud to be part of the Sloths Opens team, that won back-to-back National Championships in 2022 (Opens 200m & Opens 500m) and 2023 (Opens 200m & Opens 500m). We accomplished these feats through a proven work ethic, personal dedication, and an unassailable team grit. The Slothies are never slothful when it’s racetime.

If you're looking for a new challenge and to meet some amazing people, come down for a paddle. You'll be amazed at how quickly this sport can change your life.

Women's Captain - Shona Stewart

My introduction to dragon boating was unexpected—I first saw a club training in Newcastle while walking my brother’s dogs in 2010. A few weeks later, I attended a Come and Try session in Bathurst, my then-hometown.

Not long after, I became president of the local club, completed my coaching course, and learned how to sweep. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of competing in multiple state campaigns, and this year marks my third time representing Australia at the World Championships. Beyond competition, I’ve also enjoyed unique paddling experiences, such as the Ord River Marathon.

In 2016, I found myself at a crossroads with dragon boating. Spending more time in Sydney, I was encouraged by a friend to train with the Sloths—and from my very first session, I was hooked. The club’s welcoming and passionate community reignited my love for the sport.

Sloths embraces paddlers of all levels, from social enthusiasts to high-performance athletes. With top-tier coaching and an environment that fosters both motivation and camaraderie, it’s the perfect place to grow.

As Women’s Captain, my goal is to support every paddler in achieving their personal best and to build a unified, determined women’s crew—one that thrives both on and off the water.

Mixed Captain - Lynne Donohoe

Bio and Pic Coming soon