Lachlan Renshaw

Lachlan Renshaw's raw talent was evident from a young age. As a Year 9 Sydney Grammar schoolboy, he impressively won the Greater Public Schools (GPS) Open 800m title, and continued to do so for the remainder of his school years.

But it wasn't until he continued his education at the University of Sydney in 2006 that the dream of running professionally started to become a reality. Training under the watchful eye of coach John Atterton, his new and intensified training regime was rewarded with a series of stunning performances in 2006.

After narrowly missing a spot in the Commonwealth Games team for Melbourne, Renshaw overcame his disappointment by winning the 800m junior title at the 2006 Under-20 National Championships in Adelaide.

He ventured overseas in August to contest the 2006 World Junior Athletics Championships in Beijing, finishing second in his 800m heat and producing a spectacular personal best time of 1.47.00. The time not only placed him as the second qualifier for the semi-finals, but was also good enough to qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games.

He finished an impressive ninth overall, having carved 0.77 seconds off his previous personal best. This placed him 2nd on the Australian Under-20 all-time list for 800m. It also elevated him into the top 12 in the world junior ranks, and was the fastest time run by an Australian junior in 11 years and an Australian senior in three years.

With a long list of notable credentials it was inevitable that the next step for this young talent was an Olympic appearance.

By running an ‘A' Qualifying time of 1:45:07 in February at the Melbourne Grand Prix event, and winning the national title in Brisbane a week later, Renshaw confirmed his selection on the 25- strong 2008 Beijing Olympic team.

Between Olympic preparations, the Sydney University Sport Scholarship holder somehow fits in studying for his degree in combined Engineering/Commerce.

Renshaw came into Beijing having run several personal bests and winning the National Championships in Brisbane. He became the tenth fastest Australian ever in the 800m event. Unfortunately, Renshaw could not reproduce his personal best in the stifling heat of Beijing, running a time of 1.49.19 in the heats and narrowly missing qualification for the semi-finals.

• Olympics in sight
• Athletics Results
• Students claim three national titles
• Renshaw Beijing bound
• Renshaw Beijing bound Part 2
• Olympians gather in force
• Race confirmed for Lachie
• Renshaw - Headway in Jerez
• Beijing squad could top 20
• Renshaw - Lightning in Lignano
• Touchdown in Beijing
• Renshaw's run comes to an end

 Send your fan mail to Lachie Renshaw

Check out the Blog of Lachlan RENSHAW for the latest on his Run for Gold!

Lachie's Blog

Message from Hong Kong

[ Sat 9/08/2008 9:06 PM ]

Hi everyone,

Just writing a quick note to thank you all for your continuing support and messages of encouragement. I had a successful European campaign and despite not being able to run a PB, I proved myself a consistent 1:46 runner. I am in good shape and feeling ready to rip up the track on the 20th August.

I am currently in Hong Kong with the rest of the team and have been lapping up the team atmosphere. I can't believe that the time has arrived so quickly but I am making the most of these last days to fine tune my speed and prepare myself to represent our country in the world's biggest sporting arena. I feel very privileged to be part of the Aussie team and know that I have done the work to give it my best shot.

Whilst in Hong Kong I have been treated by some good Aussie supporters who've shown me the ropes of the city and kept me clear of the special sizzling meat with special sauce. I've also attended a number of events including a Team Dinner with Athlete Liaison Officer Steve Waugh and the Opening Ceremony Dinner at the Hyatt hosted by the Australian Chamber of Commerce at which 450 ex-pats were also in attendance!

I'm excited to be here and looking forward to landing in Beijing. I can't wait to step out into the Bird's Nest and run in the 2008 Olympic 800m.

Best Regards,
Lachlan

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