Jeremy Padayao
Jeremy Padayao
Sport: paddling
For the first time, this honor goes to a player/coach.
As such, Padayao had more than a few paddles in the water as Puna Canoe Club repeated Saturday at the Aunty Maile Mauhili/Moku O Hawaii championships.
As Puna’s youth coach, Padayao helped his club stay within striking distance of Kai Opua early on. With his club still looking up at Kai Opua entering the last race of the day, he helped steer the mixed crew to a victory at Hilo Bay in a race that routinely features the best of the best, lifting Puna to the narrowest of victories, 201-200.
Padayao joined the club as a novice paddler in 2007, the first year the club won the Aunty Maile/Moku O Hawaii title.
Puna added its second championship last year when Padayao was a member of the men open four, which also took home gold.
5 questions
Favorite song: “Redemption Song,” by Bob Marley
Favorite food: Steamed fish
Favorite sports role model: “The Greatest” Muhammad Ali
What makes you happy:
Favorite cartoon character: The Incredible Hulk