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Long-distance freestyle swimmer, Julie McDonald, was coached by Laurie throughout her career. Julie debuted at the 1986 commonwealth Games, securing a silver medal in the 800-metre freestyle.
In 1987 at the Pan Pacific Swimming Championships in Brisbane, Julie came head to head with world-record holder, Janet Evans. This episode is a blow by blow account of the lead up to this highly anticipated 1987 race and Laurie’s pool-side perspective of the battle.
Book reference: Lawrence of Australia, Chapter 5 “Belief – Jules”
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