Who will ever forget that passionate explosion of emotion from Laurie Lawrence. Duncan Armstrong arrived at Seoul for the 1988 Olympics, ranked 46th in the world, and beat three world record holders to take gold in the 400 meters freestyle final. “What do you think we came here for … the silver”? Laurie 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. You can watch it back here.
Stuff the Silver Podcast
Laurie’s podcast includes a collection of stories from his two books, Lawrence of Australia and Five Ring Fever. These stories document Laurie’s 50-year international coaching career. As well as his triumphs and the people he has met along the way. This includes some of Australia’s swimming greats – Duncan Armstrong, Dawn Fraser, Tracey Wickham and Lisa Curry-Kenny.
Future episodes will include interviews with some of the incredible sportsmen and sportswomen that he has encountered over his career. Laurie’s stories are inspiring and unique, and are told in the only way he can – direct, sincere, and honest. Listen to podcast here.
The Motivational Speaker
Laurie Lawrence has been poolside for plenty of Australia’s greatest Olympic moments. He had already mentored another “mission impossible” gold medal effort with 17-year-old Jon Sieben four years earlier.
The Kids Alive Do the 5 water safety campaign has saved many lives in Aussie pools. He is also one of the country’s most popular and entertaining motivational speakers. He has attended eight Olympics Games. Two were 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.
“Hard Work Pays Off”
For Laurie Lawrence, a silver medal has never been good enough. Laurie hopes to inspire those who wish to achieve their dreams, and encourages them to work hard. “Without hard work”, he says, “those dreams are only fantasies.”
Over the last decade, Laurie has been training swim teachers and coaches through his online training platform, World Wide Swim School. He decided to create this podcast as a way to add value to his training platform. For swim teachers and coaches, “Stuff the silver, we are going for gold” will be a great resource to encourage persistence and dedication. In his new podcast series, “Stuff the silver, we are going for gold”, Laurie recounts his time as an Olympic swimming coach; the ups & downs, and the silver & gold.
Sharing His Insights in His 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 Laurie’s boyhood hero Dawn Fraser, to rowers David Crawshay and Scott Brennan, hockey coach extraordinaire Ric Charlesworth, then athletics middle distance hall of farmer Herb Elliott and cyclists Kathy Watt and Anna Meares.
Stuff the Silver We’re… Going for Gold! is compelling reading for anyone. It is a motivational tool for young athletes and provides great reading for those fascinated with Australia’s legendary sporting DNA. Read more about it here.
“Stuff the silver, we are going for gold” can be found on the Apple Podcast App, Google Podcasts, as well as Laurie’s website here.
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