Lauryn Eagle’s courageous comeback

by Bob Wonders on 2 Mar 2009 In 2003, in Costa Rica, Lauryn Eagle was crowned Miss Teen International; in 2005, in the United Kingdom she won the Formula II Women’s world water ski race championship.

She followed that up by overcoming mechanical problems with her tow boat to finish a creditable third in the same event during the World titles in New Zealand in 2007.

Life, for Lauryn Eagle, was very sweet indeed.

In 2008, however, her life and that of her mother Kerrie and sister Sarah came crashing down when their father and husband Peter Eagle was tragically killed on Sydney Harbour when the boat he was driving prior to an offshore race flipped. Peter was knocked unconscious, trapped beneath the boat and drowned.

In what could only be termed as adding to the tragedy, the boat, a Belgium-built Bernico, was the same boat used by veteran driver Pat Cole to tow Lauryn to her world crown in the UK in 2005.

Now, Lauryn is doing her best, as is mother Kerrie and sister Sarah, to consign 2008 to the past.

'It was a tough time for all, a year we’ll never forget,' he explained. 'Really, we have no choice but to move on and although we’ll never forget Dad I’m just concentrating on moving ahead.

'I feel certain that with my ski racing, that’s the way Dad would have wanted it.'

Lauryn has now earned enough points to make the Australian Open Women’s team for the World Ski Race titles in Belgium (19-26 July) and will again call on the highly-experienced Pat Cole to be at the wheel.

'The canals we race on in Belgium are quite rough and the concrete walls make it as much a boat driver’s race as a skier’s race,' Lauryn says. 'That’s why I want Pat Cole – he’s the best,' she added.

Lauryn believes the canals will suit her style and is unconcerned about the narrow courses and the concrete walls.

Somewhat surprisingly, in a sport where serious knee injuries and even the dreaded ‘dead arm’ are all too common, Lauryn has never sustained a serious injury.

‘Perhaps I’ve been lucky, but I’ve also had the best of the best when it comes to observers, people like Rory Brown and Stephen Robertson, they’re guys who know how to look after me,' she explains.

Lauryn’s good looks (she takes after mum and dad) help her earn a comfortable living as a model, with Sydney agencies Scoot Management handling her modelling assignments and Chic Management looking after television schedules.

She also works as a personal trainer, holding Certificates III and IV in fitness and thoroughly enjoys the work.

'I love helping kids achieve their fitness levels and it helps my own conditioning work as well,' he said.

One of the ‘kids’ she’s helping attain first class fitness is sister Sarah, 18, also making a comeback to the sport and, according to Lauryn trying hard and skiing well.

'She’s set her goal as the World ski race titles scheduled to be held in Australia in 2011,' Lauryn explained.

Lauryn has what might easily be described as a ‘major hurdle’ to overcome before she departs for Belgium.

In May, about the middle of the month depending on a suitable weather window, Lauryn is going to attempt something no woman has ever done – ski Sydney to Newcastle….and back again!

Discussions are underway with a number of prospective sponsors, including two of the major engine companies, and whoever does support this audacious ski will certainly be noticed.

As far as Lauryn knows there is only one record for a Sydney-Newcastle ski, a time of two hours, five minutes.

'But that was only one way,' she added, 'no female has ever done it and no one has done it in both directions,'

I was privileged to know Peter and Kerrie Eagle well; in fact I towed Kerrie in a couple of ski races before Lauryn was born.

The couple was one of ski racing’s ‘first families’, regular competitors and regular faces at ski race meets around the country.

When Lauryn lines up for that punishing Newcastle ‘voyage’, I reckon Kerrie will almost be on the ski with her and Peter will be looking down with pride.

If there are any prospective sponsors interested in supporting Lauryn’s effort, we’ll be happy to put you in touch.