22nd April 2025

On April 13, 2025, British discus thrower Lawrence Okoye made history by breaking his own national record with a throw of 70.76 meters at the Oklahoma Throws Series World Invitational in Ramona, United States. This remarkable achievement comes nearly 13 years after he first set the British record at 68.24 meters in 2012. Back in 2011 and 2012, I recall looking after Lawrence as he broke his first national record.

Lawrence Okoye first broke the British discus record on July 9, 2011, with a throw of 67.63 meters at a meeting held at Barnet Copthall Stadium in London. This performance surpassed the previous national record of 66.64 meters set by Perriss Wilkins in 1998. Okoye's throw also established a world age record for a 19-year-old at the time. Interestingly, I saw Lawrence for treatment just 5 days prior to breaking the national record for the first time, and again two days afterwards.

He then went on to re-break his own record on May 19, 2012. He’d been to the Croydon Physio clinic leading right up to this event, and in the subsequent months continued to rehab with the Croydon Physio team right up to the London 2012 Olympics. He was one of three athletes who had been patients of ours who represented in London, the others being Casey Stoney and James Ellington.

Lawrence's latest performance in Ramona was exceptional, with his series of throws including distances of 70.76m, 68.99m, 65.77m, a foul, and 66.37m. This consistency highlights his enduring prowess in discuss throwing.

Born on October 6, 1991, in Croydon, London, Lawrence’s athletic journey has been diverse. He initially gained attention as a promising rugby player before transitioning to discus throw in 2010 with the support of Whitgift School – where many elite sports boys come to us for rehab and treatment.

After competing in the 2012 London Olympics, he explored a career in American football, joining NFL teams such as the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins. Returning to athletics in 2019, he steadily climbed the ranks, securing a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the European Championships the same year.

Lawrence’s recent record-breaking throw not only reaffirms his position as Britain’s leading discus thrower but also serves as an inspiration to athletes worldwide, demonstrating that perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements, regardless of the time it takes.

Well done, and great work from a local Croydon lad.

Tim and Lawrence in Paris, 2024.