Members of Na Leo’s sprint group Team Phoenix competed in Singapore Aug. 20-29, 2026 in the heart of the city at the International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Sprint Championships. A core member of the US contingent, club members raced against the best in the world in both elite events, as Team USA, and in club crew races as Team Phoenix. Of the 32 countries attending, the US came 5th internationally with 6 gold, 8 silver and 10 bronze medals.

One of those gold medals belongs to Team Phoenix, headed by Na Leo member Amy Thomas. Her 40s Team Phoenix crew won in the V12 division representing the USA, with six members of team Phoenix and six members of West Coast Outrigger, whose teammates came from Southern California Outrigger Racing Association (SCORA). The 40s V12 crew final was fierce with crews from Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Canada and Brazil – less than a second separating the top three crews. What’s it like being #1 in the world? Thomas, who sat seat 1, said, “I can’t believe we got a gold.” This was the first gold medal at IVF for Na Leo O Ke Kai’s sprint group. Also in the Team Phoenix gold medal crew were Na Leo’s Lori Musico and teammates Suzy Strazzulla, Kim Pennington, Laura Scaparotto, and Lily Ting. Strazzulla went on to win a silver medal in 50s V1, a silver and bronze medal in Team USA elite V6 500M and 1500M races. Musico (and Strazzulla) also earned a bronze in Team USA elite V12. This was Thomas’ third IVF sprint event and Musico’s first IVF.

One of Na Leo’s club founders, Aunty Diane Escalante, also steered the first 80s V6 crew ever for USA and her first IVF event. In addition, Team Phoenix member Mary Lud Baldwin took a bronze in women’s 80s. Na Leo members have competed in five IVF events. The last time a Na Leo won a medal (bronze) was in 2014. Congratulations to all Team Phoenix sprint group members, who gave their best in Singapore and advanced from heats to repechage, semis and finals, including Na Leo members and crew leads in open, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s: Peggy Coulombe, Laura Kuning, Andy and Amy Thomas, Ceci Ng, Marisa Bennett, KJ Jackson, Lori Musico and Diane Escalante. Learn more: Team Phoenix sprint program | Na leo o ke kai