Born: 1992
Laurence Vincent Lapointe is a Canadian sprint canoeist who has made a significant impact in her sport. Born on May 27, 1992, Lapointe has established herself as one of the most successful and decorated athletes in the history of canoe sprint.
Lapointe’s journey to success began in 2010 when she burst onto the international scene by winning two gold medals in the C-1 200m and C-2 500m at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships held in Pozna. This victory marked the start of her dominant run in the sport.
Over the years, Lapointe continued to assert her dominance, winning gold medals and making history in the process. In 2011 and 2013, she replicated her earlier success by clinching gold medals in the same events at the World Championships. In addition, she made history in 2013 as the first-ever U-23 world champion in the C-1 200m.
In 2014, Lapointe achieved a remarkable feat by securing her fourth consecutive world title in the C-1 200m, setting a world record time of 46.419 seconds. This achievement solidified her status as the leading force in her discipline.
The following year, Lapointe displayed her versatility by claiming a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games. Her success extended to the Olympic stage as well. In 2020, after years of lobbying for women’s inclusion in her sport at the Olympic Games, she won silver and bronze medals in the C-1 200m and C-2 500m events at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Throughout her career, Lapointe has been a trailblazer and advocate for gender equality in canoe sprint. Her dedication and perseverance have been instrumental in breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for women in the sport.
Lapointe’s journey has not been without its challenges. In 2019, she tested positive for traces of ligandrol, a banned substance. However, she vehemently denied knowingly taking the forbidden substance and provided evidence that supported her claim. In January 2020, the International Canoe Federation (ICF) accepted her evidence, clearing her of all charges and allowing her to resume her training and competition.
In 2022, Lapointe made the decision to retire from competition, reflecting on her accomplishments and stating that she had achieved everything she had set out to do by competing in the Olympic Games. Her retirement marked the end of an extraordinary career that had a profound impact on the sport of canoe sprint.
Apart from her achievements in sports, Lapointe also holds a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Université de Montréal, highlighting her commitment to both her athletic pursuits and academic excellence.
Awards:
– Eleven gold medals at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships
– Gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games
– Silver and bronze medals at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo
Lapointe’s remarkable achievements and dedication to her sport have left an indelible mark on women’s history in canoe sprint. Her success both on and off the water serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the power of perseverance, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.