Laura picks up silver at Australian Games

Laura picks up silver at Australian Games

1 February 2012

A FORMER Kilmore girl has just struck silver in Australia.

Laura Burns, who emigrated to Melbourne just three years ago, was a member of the Victoria State netball team which claimed the runners-up medals at the recent XVI Australian Deaf Games 2012.

The tournament in Geelong, Victoria, Melbourne, ran for five days in 30 degree heat with teams from New South Wales, Canberra, Western Australia, Queensland and two from Victoria taking part between January 14-21.

Laura, who represented Ireland in badminton at the 2009 Deaflympics, has been studying Sports Development and got involved with Deaf Sports Australia through work experience.

“We all played hard. It became harder and harder as the competition went on, but both teams in the final were so motivated and focused that the pressure was on for the gold and silver medals,” she said.

“We had come this far and we didn’t want to lose, but we had to settle for silver. My family have been my strongest supporters, mum, dad, and Ciara and Michael have been amazing.”

While Laura is planning her next move in sport, she is hoping nothing will stop her from going onwards and upwards.

She is looking forward to the next Australian Deaf Games which will be held in Adelaide 2016.