Laura Reynolds represented Ireland in the women’s 20 kilometres race walk at the 2012 London Olympic Games, finishing 18th out of 59 competitors and setting a new personal best.

Her qualification was a drama in itself – she had achieved the B standard on two separate occasions but with time running out to hit the A standard she produced a stunning performance at the IAAF Race Walking Meeting in La Coruña, Spain in June 2012, running 1:32.37 to beat her personal best by two minutes at her final opportunity.

From Eslin, Co. Leitrim, Reynolds is a member of Mohill AC and was coached by fellow Leitrim man and London 2012 Olympian Colin Griffin. She studied PE and Biology at Dublin City University and competed for Ireland at the World University Games and underage European championships before her Olympic debut. She was named Leitrim Sportsperson of the Year in recognition of her achievement.