01/06/2026
The Penrith Valley Athletics Centre community is saddened to hear of the passing of former Penrith athlete, Laura Johnson.
Beginning her athletics journey as a child at Penrith Athletics Centre Laura quickly established herself as one of Australia's most promising race walkers. She proudly represented Australia on the world stage three times, competing at:
β’ 2000 World Junior Championships β Santiago, Chile
β’ 2001 World Youth Championships β Debrecen, Hungary
β’ 2002 World Junior Championships β Kingston, Jamaica
As a teenager Laura finished an incredible 10th in the world in the 10,000m Walk at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Chile, before again placing 10th in the world at the 2002 World Junior Championships in Jamaica.
One of the most remarkable examples of Laura's toughness came in 2001 when she represented Australia at the World Youth Championships in Hungary while battling chicken pox. Despite being unwell, she stepped onto the international stage and competed for her country β a true reflection of the strength, determination and resilience that defined both her athletics career and her life.
Nationally, Laura enjoyed tremendous success, claiming multiple Australian Championship Gold medals throughout her career, including:
β’ Australian Junior Champion β 5km Walk (2000/01)
β’ Australian Junior Champion β 10km Walk (2002)
β’ Australian Junior Champion β 10km Walk (2002/03)
and multiple Australian Championship silver and bronze medals across junior, Under 23 and senior competition competing in the 20km events.
One of Laura's most enduring achievements was holding the NSW Under 20 State Record for the 10,000m Race Walk with a time of 48:02.78 β a record that stood for an incredible 21 years before finally being broken in 2022.
Laura's athletics career was built on hard work, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to excellence. She inspired countless athletes through her achievements, but even more through the way she carried herself β with courage, humility and determination.
While Laura's achievements on the track were extraordinary, her connection to our club extends far beyond her own athletics career. Today, her family remains a valued part of the PVAC community, with her nieces and nephews continuing her legacy each week as they proudly wear our club colours and Laura often spotted down at the track on a Friday night or over Zone Championships weekends cheering them on.
Laura's story is one of determination, resilience and excellence. The same strength that saw her reach the highest levels of athletics was evident throughout her long and courageous battle with cancer. Laura leaves behind a legacy far greater than medals and records β one of strength, resilience, kindness and inspiration
On behalf of everyone at PVAC, we extend our deepest condolences to Laura's family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her achievements will always be remembered, her legacy will continue through the next generation of athletes, and her place in the history of athletics in Penrith will never be forgotten.
Rest peacefully, Laura.
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