Lauren Bruce

Event: Hammer Throw

• ‍Coach: Kirsten Hellier
• Club: South Canterbury
• Personal best: 74.61 (2021)
• Olympian 1399 (Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024)
• Current Oceania Record Holder 
• 5 x National Hammer Throw Champion
• 3 x World Championship representative (2022, 2023, 2025)
• 2022 Commonwealth Games, Birmingham

Lauren Bruce is one of New Zealand’s most accomplished throwers. Five-time national champion, Oceania record holder, two-time Olympian, and World Championship and Commonwealth Games representative - she’s a force to be reckoned with!

This proud Cantabrian continues to chase world-class standards from her Melbourne base. But even at the top, funding to cover competition and travel costs is a challenge. The Aotearoa Athletics Trust is proud to support Lauren for a second year as she continues to break new ground for women in our sport, not just with performance, but with grit, adaptability, and staying power. 

"I feel very privileged to be a recipient of the AAT Grant for a second year running. Opening this season with my furthest throw since 2022 has given me renewed confidence as I head into an important competition period. With the Commonwealth Games coming up in July (pending selection), alongside the Oceania Championships in May providing the first points-earning opportunity for 2027 World Championships qualification, this grant will significantly ease the growing financial demands of travel and competition. This support allows me to continue investing in my preparation and pursue these opportunities at the highest level."

Off the field, Lauren works at a school, teaching parkour, gymnastics, and trampoline to junior school boys, and coaches throws in the senior school during athletics season. A former gymnast herself, she brings fierce discipline and playful energy to everything she does - including ocean swims and the occasional hit of golf. 

Click here to follow more of Lauren's journey on Instagram.

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