Laurie Lawrence AM

Laurie Lawrence is best known as Australia’s Olympic and World Champion swimming coach—a true ‘maker of champions’ whose influence extends from elite sport to the corporate world. Renowned for his spirited personality, sense of humour, and direct approach, Laurie has inspired athletes, teams, and executives alike to achieve excellence.

An international authority on swimming, Laurie’s coaching career boasts 23 world records and 33 Olympic medals, including 10 Gold, 11 Silver, and 12 Bronze. His proteges include some of Australia’s most celebrated swimmers: Jon Sieben, Duncan Armstrong, Judy Young, Steven Holland, Tracy Wickham, and Samantha Riley. Beyond medals, Laurie has made a lasting impact by promoting discipline, commitment, and goal-focused performance both in sport and business.

Laurie’s philosophy—“Dream, Plan, Work, Persist, and Refocus”—demonstrates the parallels between sporting achievement and business success. He believes that success is earned through preparation, persistence, and sacrifice, and he encourages individuals to set ambitious yet achievable targets and pursue them relentlessly. Laurie often says, “It all begins with a genuine desire to succeed. If that desire is there, it can be transformed into success.”

Early in his career, Laurie overcame significant physical challenges, including asthma and having only one lung, to gain selection in the Australian Rugby Union side that toured New Zealand as the Wallabies in 1964. His resilience and determination laid the foundation for his success as a coach and mentor.

Laurie has also served as an inspirational leader within the Australian Olympic movement. In 1988, he was appointed Athlete Liaison Officer for the Australian Olympic team in Atlanta, with a brief to inspire and support athletes to achieve their personal best. He continued this role for Sydney 2000 and at multiple Olympic Games, including Beijing 2008, staging team-building events, orientation tours, and celebrations to boost morale and unity within the Athletes’ Village.

In addition to coaching, Laurie is a successful entrepreneur, operating the renowned Lawrence Learn To Swim School, which specialises in teaching swimming to all children, including those with physical disabilities, speech, and hearing impairments.

Laurie holds a Bachelor of Arts (James Cook University), a Diploma of Physical Education (Queensland University), a Diploma of Teaching (Kelvin Grove College), and is a Master Coach (ASL). His remarkable career has been recognised with numerous awards, including National Sports Coach of the Year (1988), Advance Australia Award (1989), Queensland Father of the Year (1989), Australian Achiever’s Award (1989), and, in 2017, a Gold Medallion from the International Swimming Hall of Fame for his services to water safety, infant aquatics, and elite swimming.

Laurie Lawrence’s energetic personality, unwavering dedication, and ability to motivate others make him an exceptional speaker, coach, and mentor—a true champion both in and out of the pool.