Laura Thompson (cyclist)

Laura Fairweather
Personal information
Birth name Laura Thompson
Born (1987-06-04) 4 June 1987
Residence Cambridge, New Zealand
Sport
Sport Cycling

Laura Fairweather MNZM (née Thompson, born 4 June 1987) is a New Zealand cyclist and former basketballer. She represented New Zealand at the 2012 Summer Paralympics as the tandem sighted pilot for Phillipa Gray, winning three medals: one gold, one silver and one bronze.[1][2][3][4] At the 2016 Summer Paralympics, she was the sighted pilot for Emma Foy, winning one silver and one bronze medal.[5][6]

Fairweather played basketball in her youth, representing New Zealand at junior level before being selected for the national team at age 18. However, she developed hip problems requiring surgery to correct and forcing her to retire from basketball. Fairweather picked up cycling through rehabilitation, later becoming a member of the national development team before switching to para-cycling piloting in 2009.[7]

Fairweather was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2013 New Year's Honours, for her services to cycling.[8][9]

References

  1. "Laura Thompson". London2012.com. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  2. "Cycling bronze for Gray and Thompson". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  3. "Gold medal won by cyclists". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 3 September 2012.
  4. "Tandem pair complete Paralympic medal set". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 9 September 2012.
  5. "Emma Foy wins cycling silver in Rio". Radio New Zealand. 12 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  6. "Women's B 3000m Individual Pursuit -- Final" (PDF). Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  7. Goile, Aaron (10 May 2016). "Emma Foy and Laura Thompson looking to carry unique partnership into Paralympics". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  8. "New Year Honours List 2013". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  9. Burdon, Nathan (31 December 2012). "'Crazy year' ends in honours for medal duo". Fairfax Media (via Stuff.co.nz). Retrieved 31 December 2012.
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