(2017 ☆ ARCHIVED) Laurence Vincent-Lapointe - Canada

LAURENCE VINCENT-LAPOINTE  (Canada) - Nominee for the 2017 Sportswoman of the Year Award

Born: 27th May 1992, Sport: Canoe Sprint, Represents: Canada
2017: Gold C1 200m, C2 500m World Championships, Racice
2015: Gold C1W 200m Pan American Games, Toronto

Laurence Vincent-Lapointe is arguably the most accomplished female sprint canoeists in the world. With a staggering ten international titles already under her belt, the 25-year-old from Quebec, Canada has become an inspiration to female canoeists around the world.

After taking up canoeing as a 12-year-old, Laurence always dreamt of being at the pinnacle of the sport and one day representing Canada at the Olympics. Her first world championship gold medal came in 2010 where she secured wins in the women's C1 200m and C2 500m. After not being on the podium since the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Laurence is back stronger than ever in 2017. 

At the World Championships in Racice, Laurence won the C1 200m and the C2 500m with her partner Katie Vincent, backing up from their wins on the World Cup circuit. By winning these races, she also secured new World best times which is a great sign ahead of the disciplines Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020. 

As a figurehead for women’s canoeing, Laurence was an outspoken advocate for female Canoeing to be included in the Olympic program, something which believes is long overdue. Now its inclusion has been finalised, she has her eyes firmly set on these Games and will be doing everything to ensure she is ready when it's her turn to line up on the world's biggest stage.

To all who know her Laurence Vincent-Lapointe is a bright and bubbly person but there is no mistaking her grit, motivation and professionalism as she strives for excellence to reach her ultimate competitive goals. She has been nominated for 'Sportswoman of the Year' because of her sustained outstanding results and, moreso, for her contribution to the paddlesports community as a courageous athlete advocate for equality.

Activities and achievements off water:

• Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences
• Applied to Medical School in 2015
• Nickname: 'Smiley'

This is a 2017 archived nominee. Voting has closed.