GEORGE TOWN, Nov. 28 -- For Lawrence Koh, the rhythm of the dragon boat paddle is one he has known his whole life.

Growing up with a fisherman father and an uncle who was a dragon boat racer, the 61-year-old coach has the sea in his blood.

It is a passion he has poured into training the Pacific West Dragonboat Club, one of a handful of elite teams in Penang where everyday people, working adults with day jobs and families, transform themselves into world-class athletes.

They do it not for money, but for the love of the sport. As Penang gears up for its annual International Dragon Boat Regatta this weekend, the unseen story is one of immense personal sacrifice.

Most athletes are working adults, so time management is a challenge, Koh exp...