Laurie Lawrence Travels from Gold Coast, QLD

Topics

Goal Setting
High Energy
Leadership
Motivational
Performance
Sport Coaches
Swimming
Team Sport

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Laurie Lawrence, a top athlete in his own right, is a former Australian Rugby Union Representative and Olympic and World Champion Swim coach.

There would be few, who do not know of Laurie Lawrence or his spirited personality, his sense of humour or his zest for life. For those who know him well, there would be no disputing that his manner is direct, sincere and honest.

Whatever Laurie is involved in, he gives all of himself. He cares deeply about the people he influences and he refuses to rest until he has achieved his best. Laurie has been claimed as one of Australia’s favourite sons, and is admired by many Australians, from little children who attend his coaching clinics to International Corporate Leaders who look to him for inspiration and new ideas.

Laurie is a remarkable Australian – a maker of champions, capable of lifting the spirits of those around him to soaring heights. Swim coaching has played an important part in his life. He was able to balance his time around the pool with his studies, which resulted in Laurie achieving a Bachelor of Arts Degree, a Teaching Diploma in Physical Education, and a Teaching Diploma. These qualifications have served Laurie and his pupils admirably during his coaching career.

Laurie has represented Australia in World Championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games as a swim coach. During the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane (1982) and Edinborough (1986), and the Olympics Games in Los Angeles (1984) and Seoul (1988), Laurie’s pupils were standout performers.

Bringing home the medals - many of Laurie's team have succeeded in breaking many National, Commonwealth and World Records in a number of their gold medal winning performances. Lawrence protégés include Jon Sieben, Duncan Armstrong, Steven Holland and Tracey Wickham.

During his distinguished career, Laurie has been honoured with many awards including in 1988 he was voted All Sports “National Coach of the Year” in the Sports Australia Awards, Australia Day 1989 for an Australian Achievers Award to honour his selection by the National Australia Day Council as an Australian of the Year finalist. A rare honour indeed, and following this, the Governor of Queensland, Sir Walter Campbell, presented Laurie with the Advance Australia Award during a ceremony at Government House in Brisbane.

The business world and the competitive sports arena make similar demands for high individual achievement, which explains why Laurie today is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in Australia. Laurie played a huge part in Australia’s success at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and the Sydney 2000 Olympics as one of the Australian team motivators.

Everyone’s favourite Aussie - for many, Laurie represents the beloved Aussie larrikin who loves an audience and a stage, but this is only a tiny glimpse of the man. He sets his goals and encourages those within his influence to work towards personal perfection. And not only is he in demand, he gets results.

Laurie Lawrence is a True Australian in Heart, Mind and Soul.