Jamaica’s 1:01.82 in the mixed 200-metre event at last weekend’s Bahamas International Dragon Boat Festival was not only a national record but also showcased a unique first-ever in the five-year history of the event held annually at Goodman’s Bay, Nassau, Bahamas.

The Russells, Jamaica’s First Family of dragon-boat racing, fielded four family members in the final, lowering the national record from 1:04.79, achieved when historically winning bronze in the event last year.

Chue Ping Wong Russell, matriarch of the Russell clan, was joined as paddler by her son, Clayton Jr (17), as well as daughters, Cassandra (19) and Danielle (22), whose signature douli (a Chinese straw hat) and aggressive drumming made her a standout for onlookers from the Cable Beach shoreline.