Laurie Lawrence

Stuff the Silver, we are Going for Gold

Swim Schools

Stuff the Silver, We’re… GOING FOR GOLD! Book Launched

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Launch of the Laurie Lawrence’s new book ‘ Suff the silver, We’re going for GOLD ! at the Valley Pool today with a host of famous swimmers from Laurie’s coaching career.

Who will forget the passion

Who will ever forget that passionate explosion of emotion from Laurie Lawrence after his young charge Duncan Armstrong, who had arrived at Seoul for the 1988 Olympics ranked 46th in the world, had just beaten three world record holders to take gold in the 400 metres freestyle final. “What do you think we came here for … the silver?” he told TV reporter Steve Quartermain, “Stuff the silver, we came for the Gold.”

It’s an attitude that is typically Australian. Why settle for second best? Never be beaten until you hit the finish line.

Laurie Lawrence has been poolside for plenty of Australia’s greatest Olympic moments and had already mentored another “mission impossible” gold medal effort with 17-year-old Jon Sieben four years earlier.

Laurie, more recently recognised for his Kids Alive Do the 5 water safety campaign that has led to saving many lives in Aussie pools, is also one of the country’s most popular and entertaining motivational speakers. He has attended eight Olympics Games – two as a champion swim coach and six as an Australian team athlete liaison officer, a confidante and mentor of athletes from all sports. It gave him an incredible insider’s aspect of what makes champions tick.

Sharing his insights in his new book

Over the years he has compiled some inclusive interviews and provided intimate insights into not just champion swimmers but some of our greatest Olympic heroes … from his boyhood hero Dawn Fraser, to rowers David Crawshay and Scott Brennan, hockey coach extraordinaire Ric Charlesworth, athletics middle distance hall of famer Herb Elliott and cyclists Kathy Watt and Anna Meares.

It’s compelling reading … as a motivational tool for young athletes or those fascinated with Australia’s legendary sporting DNA.

GET A COPY OF THE PAPERBACK BOOK
GET A COPY OF THE EBOOK

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Follow Laurie’s podcast here

Learn about Laurie’s teaching philosophy https://worldwideswimschool.com/swim-teachers/newsletter/

Laurie prepares for Check-Your-Pool-Gate-Month

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December is National Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month.

“12 Aussie children under the age of four lost their lives because of swimming pool drownings in 2018/19*, with hundreds more involved in non-fatal drowning incidents,” said Laurie.

“Kids gaining access to pools because of faulty gates is something that should not be happening. These drownings are preventable. Pool owners need to check their fences, gates, latches and hinges regularly, as a gate that is not self-closing and self-latching provides instant and often undetected access for toddlers to the pool area,” Laurie said.

“All it takes is a few minutes to check that your pool fences and gates, including latches and hinges, are in good working order. This simple routine at the start of summer could save the life of a child,” Laurie continued.

In the lead up to Check-Your-Pool-Gate Month, D&D Technologies have put together a bit of insight into who Laurie is, where his career started, his Olympic milestones, and his passion for water safety.

To read the full article by D&D Technologies, click here.

*National Drowning Report 2019 by Royal Life Saving Australia.

New swim school opens in Burleigh Heads

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Laurie Lawrence’s name is synonymous with swimming, so there is no surprise that a new swim school has recently opened up, bearing Laurie’s name.

Based in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast, Queensland, the swim school is the third in Laurie’s growing portfolio.

The champion swim coaches mission throughout his swim schools is to be the best provider of swimming services by promoting water awareness and water safety in a clean, friendly, and safe teaching environment with highly qualified staff.

With the running of the business headed up by his daughters, Jane and Kate, the swim school is making a splash on the Gold Coast, with the next generation of swimmers getting the best start possible.