Laura Cornford

Details

Category: Track & Field

How did you become involved in your sport and what events do you compete in?

I'm involved in Track & Field in the discipline of Javelin Throwing.

Who is your sporting hero?

Louise Currey (nee McPaul) & Layne Beachley

Age you started in your sport?

I started doing Track & Field when I was 8, mostly competing in running events. I didn't start throwing Javelins until I was 16 years old.

Height, weight, age?

Height: 1.75m, Weight: 70kg & Age: 23

Accreditations/degrees/qualifications?

HSC, Certificate II in Business Administration, Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation & currently studying Bachelor of Education (Primary)

What motivates you to continue in your sport?

My love for throw Javelins and the determination to prove to myself I can do anything i put my mind too and believing in my childhood dreams to compete for Australia in an Olympic Games.

What motivated you to start your sport?

My mum put me in Little Athletics when I was 8 years old, because I would continue running around the house driving her nuts with all my energy. What motivated me to take up Javelin throwing, is thanks to a sports coach at my old school, Jennifer Reid, whom suggested I give it a shot, after I broke her own school record with no training.

What is your current business/job?

I currently work at Sydney Olympic Park Athletics & Archery Centres being an Arena Attendant/Archery Instructor. I also coach Softball, Athletics, Hockey & Cricket at my old school.

Who do you race for club/state and what is your competitive history?

Represent: Asics West & NSW Institute of Sport.

Current holder of the NSW, Australian & Oceania Junior (U/20) Women's Javelin Record with a throw of 57.37m in 2007.

Represented Australia at the World University Championships in 2009 and placed 7th in a field of 24 athletes.

2011/2012 Injured

2010/2011 57.74m

2009/2010 56.38m

2008/2009 56.52m

2007/2008 54.02m

2006/2007 57.37m

2005/2006 54.99m

2004/2005 44.30m (First season throwing Javelins)

People that have inspired you both in sport and life?

June Cornford (my mum): Supported me through the good & bad times in life & on the sporting field in various sports. Jennifer Reid: First coach and now close friend, Rudolf Sopko: Father figure to me and the coach who took me to breaking the Australian Record in 2007. Louise Currey: Australian & Oceania Javelin Record holder and role model for me. Amy Sadler: Became good friends while we competed against each other when we were younger and is someone who I can rely on to lift me up back onto my feet when I'm down. Always looked up to her when we were younger and still do.

Your interests and hobbies?

Playing Cricket, Going Surfing, Spending time with Friends, Going Shopping, Travelling, Playing Wii (when I have the time) & Spending time at the beach.

One tip or quote that continues to inspire you?

Success is only achieved if hard work is put in!!

What is your happiest memory?

Breaking the Australian & Oceania Record in 2007. I was gob smacked I broke the record. It was on the final throw of the competition, it literally brought me and my coach to tears. I think what reminds most of that competition, is the fact, i tripped over on my 5th throw and fouled, and then the next throw I threw it out to 57.37m.

Who did you idolize growing up?

Cathy Freeman & Steve Waugh

What is one thing you would share with the children wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just to believe in themselves. If you want something so badly, you'll find away to achieve it.

How has being involved/playing your sport changed your life?

My whole life has been around a sporting field, so its hard to tell what Track & Field has changed in my life. All i can say, is that throwing Javelins is something I truly love doing and wouldn't give it up for any other sport.

Who has been your biggest supporter?

My Grandma & My mum: Both have done so much for me in my life and their on-going support over the years has been greatly appreciated and I'm lucky enough to have shown both of them in person, what I'm able to achieve on the Javelin Runway and what lies ahead for me in the coming years..

Who has been your best coach?

Rudolf Sopko has been a massive influence in my Javelin Throwing career. Took me under his wing, with hardly any training, to taking me to throwing a Commonwealth 'B' Qualifier within one year in 2006. He's someone I'll be thankful for, when my dreams and ambitions come true, as he was the one to start me on this journey.

Sporting Background(sports you grew up playing) and list of achievements/results?

Have played in various sports: Athletics, Baseball, Softball, Gymnastics, Softball, Hockey, Cricket, Lacrosse, Basketball, Netball, Water Polo and Swimming

Favourite Foods/Diet you follow?

Favorite Food: Spaghetti Bolognese or Fettuccine Marinara

Worst injury you have suffered?

Stress Fracture in lower back (2011/2012) which I've now fully recovered from and back on the training field and in the gym from. Took 6 months to recover from, but still have ongoing rehab treatment going on.

What is the ultimate prize in your sport?

Personal satisfaction of achieving the goals I've set myself.

What do you find to be the toughest aspect of your sport?

The fact the sport is quite individualized. I love my team sports, cause you get to bond with other people but Track & Field is completely different.

What is your favourite movie?

Remember the Titans

What one lesson did you take from your parents?

My mum always taught me, to put in 100% into anything I do in my life, sport, friendships, school, University or work, cause the satisfaction of knowing you've done everything you can, you can't look back with regrets.

What is your favourite music/band/song?

Katy Perry

What is your biggest fear?

Failure

What inspired you to succeed?

My determination to fulfill my childhood dreams

What did you want to be as a kid growing up?

Firefighter or Police Officer

Your future goals in your sports, and goals when you finish your sport?

Make the Australian World Championships Team in 2013, medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, make the final in the 2015 World Championships and finish top 8 at 2016 Olympic Games. Break the Australian & Oceania Record.

If you could have dinner with 5 people who would they be?

My boyfriend, Louise Currey, Jan Zelezney, Layne Beachley & Travis Burns

What is one item you cannot live without?

iPod

People you would like to thank?(Sponsors, Coaches, Family or Friends)

NSW Institute of Sport, Rudolf Sopko, Peter Lawler, Justine Whipper, Nicole Boegman, David Tarbotton, Asics Wests Athletics Club, Bankstown Sports Athletics Club, Amy Sadler, Sonia Weatherley and my entire family.

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