MY STORY
Hi! I’m Lara. A 2 X Olympic sailor for both the Tokyo and Paris games. I learned to sail on White Bear Lake in Minnesota, where F. Scott Fitzgerald himself spent the summer! Most people who know me will agree, sailing is my life, but it was actually through other sports where I developed my strongest athletic traits. I was an avid basketball player, a runner, and a dancer.
I nearly accepted a collegiate running scholarship before changing my mind and making the decision that scared me the most: to move far from home and sail at Eckerd College, the place that changed my life completely and sent me down the Olympic sailing path. Oh and everything I do today is because of the great foundation my parents created for me growing up, probably the most important statement in this biography. Anyway, thanks for reading!
My Current Mission:
I committed to the 2025 Dolphins Cancer Challenge, a race I’ve wanted to be a part of for a few years now. This ride is very personal to me for both family and giving back to the community that has given me so much.
My parents met 37 years ago in Minnesota while riding the MS 150, so I’ve always had the desire to do a long ride for a cause to honor their story (without it I wouldn’t be here). And what can be more important than raising money for cancer research? A topic very close to my heart as my dad has been fighting lymphoma over the past year. I was with my parents recently at Mayo for 5 days, for one small part of his treatment, and it was emotional to say the least. Every day I cried, for the hope, the loss and the story each person there held. My parents are unbelievably strong and I have so much love for doctors, nurses, scientists and everyone who gives up time for the health of others.
Beyond my personal story, I’m driven by connecting to my community. On my flight back from the Olympics, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for all of the people, rather than any scoreline. For someone who is constantly on the road, I’ve found so much purpose in building a place to always come back to. Miami has been that home for over 10 years now and it’s a pleasure to combine setting an athletic goal to train for with fundraising for cancer research.
Thank you to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and all of the selfless work that goes into impacting people’s lives. It's my goal to raise what I can before racing 99 miles in February!
All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of all funds raised will go directly to cancer research and improving the lives of those impacted by cancer through Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Click the photo to make a contribution.
Thank you for joining my team!
#OneTeamOneFight
ILYA 420 Youth Champion
