The 2024 Greater Bay Area (Zhongshan) Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament took place on June 10. At the competition, a foreign paddler caught people's attention. Jyrki Luomala, who comes from Finland, is the president of an Italian tile company with its China headquarters in Zhongshan.

Jyrki has participated in the World Dragon Boat Championships five times and won two gold and four silver medals. He joined the Nanxia dragon boat team in Shiqi three years ago and took part in the GBA dragon boat invitational tournament last year.

This year, Jyrki takes part in the dragon boat raising ceremony and night training of Nanxia, as well as the city-level dragon boat gathering ceremony and races.

May 25, the traditional dragon boat raising ceremony is held.

May 25, Jyrki Luomala and his teammates clean the dragon boat together.

May 25, Jyrki finds a small fish while doing the cleaning.

May 25, Jyrki takes a group photo with his teammates.

Evening on June 3, Jyrki trains with his teammates on the Qijiang River.

Evening on June 3, Jyrki boards the wharf with the help of his teammates.

Evening on June 6, Jyrki takes a video to record the dragon boat banquet.

Evening on June 6, Jyrki toasts his teammates during the dragon boat banquet.

June 10, Jyrki is dressed in the jersey of the Nanxia dragon boat team and joins the race.

June 10, Jyrki and his teammates participate in the men's 500m straight racing of the GBA (Zhongshan) Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament. (Photo/Xia Shengquan)