Laura Thompson (cyclist)

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]

Laura Fairweather
MNZM
Fairweather in 2013
Personal information
Birth nameLaura Thompson
Born (1987-06-04) 4 June 1987
ResidenceCambridge, New Zealand
Sport
SportCycling
Medal record
Women's para cycling
Representing  New Zealand
Paralympic Games
2012 LondonIndividual pursuit B
2012 LondonRoad time trial B
2016 Rio de JaneiroIndividual pursuit B
2012 London1 km time trial B
2016 Rio de JaneiroRoad race B
Track World Championships
2014 AguascalientesIndiv Pursuit B
2015 ApeldoornIndiv Pursuit B
2016 MontichiariIndiv Pursuit Tandem
2014 AguascalientesSprint B
2015 Apeldoorn1 km Time Trial B
Road World Championships
2014 GreenvilleIndiv Time Trial B
2015 NottwilIndiv Road Race B
2015 NottwilIndiv Time Trial B

From 2014 to 2016 she won a total of eight medals (including three gold) at the UCI Para-cycling Track and Road Championships, with partner Emma Foy.[7][8]

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.[9]

In the 2013 New Year Honours, Fairweather was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cycling.[10][11]

References
  1. "Laura Thompson". London2012.com. Archived from the original on 31 August 2012. 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. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  7. "Paralympian Emma Foy takes time out". AvantiDrome. Retrieved 23 September 2019.
  8. "UCI Para–Cycyling Results". Union Cycliste Internationale. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
  9. Goile, Aaron (10 May 2016). "Emma Foy and Laura Thompson looking to carry unique partnership into Paralympics". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 12 October 2016.
  10. "New Year honours list 2013". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2018.
  11. 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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