Lauren is an Australian Champion and World Record holder for Rowing for young adults with an intellectual disability. She is passionate about promoting awareness for people with intellectual disabilities.

Tell us about your background and story to where you are today?

I grew up in the Upper Hunter and went to Boarding School at PLC Sydney.  This is where I was introduced to para rowing - which I love.  After leaving school I moved into some student accommodation in Glebe.  I’m currently living in Glebe in some adult & student accommodation.  I really enjoy living in the Inner West as I can use public transport, see my friends and go to rowing easily. I have a lot more opportunities living in Sydney than I would if I returned home to the Upper Hunter.

I have done work experience with a company called JobSupport in the physiotherapy department at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, then I got a permanent job at an aged care facility just before the start of Covid.  As you can imaging, that was an extremely challenging time for everyone in Aged Care.  I did some supported study through the Centre for Disability Studies at the University of Sydney in 2022.  In March of this year I started another job doing after school hours care at Eton Street Centre in Balmain which is a really fun place to work and the hours fit in with my rowing training and PT training which is great.

I have been selected to represent Australia in rowing for people with intellectual disabilities twice - once at the INAS Global Games in 2019 in Brisbane where I won 3 gold medals, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Then last year I rowed at the Virtus Asia Oceania Games, again in Brisbane where I won  2 gold and a silver medal. I have had a shoulder injury which began in about 2021.  Unfortunately I missed being selected again to represent Australia at the 2023 Global Games in Vichy, France in June.  I am much better now and the Pain Pod is certainly a big help in my recovery.

What have been your biggest accomplishments?

Being selected for the Australian Rowing team for Para Rowing for people with an intellectual disability in 2019 & 2022. Also winning the Australian Women’s 500m sprint championships in 2021 at Lake Barrington in Tasmania.

I also hold 3 World Records in Indoor Rowing for my age  and disability division in the 1 minute, the 30 minute and the 4 minute  And hold the Australian Record in the 500m. 

What is your best career highlight from playing sports?

See above. Also I recently met Emma Twigg from New Zealand at the Australian Ocean Rowing and Beach Sprints Championships at Mooloolaba in July. Emma is the Women’s World single scull Champion.  She was so lovely!

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years with your rowing?

I would once again like to represent Australia in Para Rowing at the 2027 Global Games and possibly represent in the World Cross Fit Games. I would also like to hold the 500m Indoor Rowing World Record.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Believe in your dreams and they will come true one day.  You just need to work hard and not take short cuts.

How did you enter the professional sport world?

I am not a professional - I am an amateur.

What are the keys to success for anyone looking to replicate a similar pathway?

Find a great rowing club with really supportive coaches.  Listen to what they say and work really hard! Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep but most of all have fun and make great friends.

How do you successfully manage your life and training balance?

Having great coaches and a really good friend and family to remind me about taking breaks

What do you use your PainPod for? 

I have been using my Pain Pod on my shoulder injury, particularly after a hard training session, or racing. I also use it on my legs for muscle fatigue and soreness.

What is your favourite PainPod accessory?

I don’t know as I haven’t used any accessories

What are you most proud of?

Being a country girl, that’s represented Australia in rowing for intellectual disabilities and also being the first ever person with a disability to represent New South Wales at the Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprint National Championships

Last time you laughed so much you cried?

I don’t know at all 

Tell me about a time you failed and what you learned from it?  

In 2023 when I didn’t make the Australian Global Games rowing team earlier this year. I spoke a lot with my coaches about this and we have re-set and come up with a plan for the years to come. I think you learn more from your disappointments than you do from your successes.It also allowed me to set new goals for the future, both within rowing and outside.

Head to Lauren's Instagram profile to keep up to date.