On the Olympics and her gold medal win
I got up every morning, went to either the gym or the pool, walked for two hours each day to assist weight loss then got to training at 5pm for a 3 hour technical session. After training I would walk (20 mins) to the Aquatic Centre for a recovery session, then walk back to my car to finally go home! Once I was home I would have a light meal; a soup, fresh juice or steamed vegies, get ready for the next day and straight to bed. It was completely all-encompassing and I also had to work part-time to support myself.
I have never really considered myself a full-on competitive person, but when I'm in the ring I love kicking arse! - taking the fight to the opponent. At the Games I did not focus on the Gold Medal. I was disciplined to remain focussed and I concentrated on winning the next fight in front of me - there were three all up. I just focussed on being 'in the moment' when I walked out on the mat. I did a lot of thinking and strategic analysis of my opponents prior to the Games but when I stepped out in to the ring my focus was not to think and just to react. As soon as you focus on the end result you take the power away from the present moment. I knew that if I scored points, controlled the game and won each fight that the gold medal would be there at the end. I apply this way of thinking to many other aspects of my life. If we are going to make the world a better place for ourselves, the people and animals we love, then we must be prepared to Be Present. Not living for tomorrow because it never comes, or yesterday because it doesn't exist anymore.
Lauren described the feeling of getting up on the dais and receiving the medal as almost a little surreal.
All I could think was: I hope I'm facing in the right direction for the flags and I hope I don't do something silly like trip over or fall off the stage! In some ways it was such an incredible experience but I also felt that I'm still just me doing what I've done for many years. So often, at the Olympics in particular, people place a lot of pressure on themselves and don't end up doing what they trained to do. They change their game plan at the last minute which can be crucial to the outcome of their performance. In essence, competitors can either choke or shine - the Olympics brings out the best in people. That is what happened with me. Even though I was a medal chance I was a complete outsider for the Gold."
Since the Games Lauren has had the opportunity to both reflect back over an extraordinary career and look forward with energy and optimisim to the new directions her life is taking.
"Sometimes you don't realise how much you've achieved or how the Journey has actually unfolded along the way.
My life has continued at a rapid pace since the Games and I have been flooded with speaking engagements, media interviews and my involvement with World Vision and the Destroy a Minefield Campaign. Ronnie is now managing me. We share the same enthusiasm, we work the same way and we make a great team! Now that Tkd is enjoying a higher profile due to the Olympic coverage we are we aiming to attract ethical corporate association and partnerships. We are seeking out companies that fit the values that we believe in which will enable me to represent them with the passion and enthusiasm that I have for my sport.
On vegetarianism
I've been vegetarian since I was 3 years old. My parents decided to become vegetarians when I was little but they didn't force their belief onto me. It was my own decision. When I turned 3 yrs old I said to Ronnie and Maggie: 'I don't want to eat my friends any more' and that was all it took - a simple choice. I am very passionate about food and I love cooking, especially tofu, tempae, legumes, grains and lots of steamed organic veggies. Many people are surprised that an athlete can be a fully-fledged vegetarian. However, it is a changing perception and I'm pleased to be part of that.
On animal testing
Lauren sums up the situation in two words:
"Stop it! It is really important to know that, as consumers, we can do a lot to halt the continuing cruelty to animals. They remain the silent victims of abuse only if we deny them their right for a compassionate life. To create change, first we must change, and in doing so, make choices and distinctions regarding the wellbeing of all animals. Personally, I'd like to the kick the arse out of the laboratories and the people who so callously profit from them!"
