Lawrence Brittain

In 2014 Lawrence Brittain was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. As a professional athlete this was a crippling blow – it meant giving up his Olympic dream. But this was Lawrence Brittain – and with sheer will, grit and single-minded determination, he beat the battle against cancer and was able to return in 2015 to the sport he loved, rowing.

Just 18 months later – he stood on the Olympic Podium in Rio Lawrence comes from a rowing-mad family, having been born into the sport with his entire family having their South African Colours for rowing. His father raced for South Africa in the 90’s – thereby igniting a passion for the sport; his Mother is the Olympic team Doctor and all 3 of his brothers have raced in the Green and Gold. Lawrence matriculated at Parktown Boys High in 2008 with full colours for Rowing, and he has represented South Africa every year since then, earning himself 77 caps in the Green and Gold. He is an Under 23 World Champion and has been South African Champion no less than 14 times. He is also the Men’s Captain of the Tuks’ (University of Pretoria) rowing team, as well as having been acclaimed ‘Gauteng Sportsman of the Year 2017’. “Everyone faces huge challenges in their lives” say Lawrence, “and if you don’t stay positive and hungry for better days, those challenges will crush you.” His talks are truly authentic and heartfelt. His sincerity and suffering is tangible as he shares his story – which is at times emotional. But what he leaves behind are the lessons he has learned along that journey – through all the ups and the downs – and that’s Lawrence’s way of getting audiences to challenge themselves. His challenge was for the glory of Gold – but those of the people who hear him are no less real.