Lauren Burns

Lauren Burns created sporting history by winning the first Olympic gold medal for Taekwondo when the sport made its debut at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. Lauren was one of only three Australian women to win an individual Olympic Gold Medal, along with Cathy Freeman and Susie O’Neill. Her amazing triumph at the Sydney Games was achieved against the odds – requiring enormous discipline, commitment, perseverance and teamwork.

The nation watched as Lauren’s victory brought the Australian public and Olympic crowd to its feet. Before her Olympic win, few people knew that Lauren had been 12 times Australian Champion and had achieved a string of international titles including numerous medals at world championship level. Lauren’s gold medal has put Australia on the map as a major international competitor for the sport of Taekwondo.
Since the Sydney Olympics, Lauren has emerged as one of the most successful Olympians from these Games. She is one of Australia’s most sought after speakers and has spoken to over 200,000 people since these Games. Lauren Burns continues to travel the country conducting presentations, workshops and corporate health programs.
Lauren enjoys a variety of commitments; she is the mother of 2 beautiful children, she is involved with Red Dust Role Models, conducting healthy lifestyle clinics in remote Aboriginal, Fijian & Indian communities. She is a director on the board of her parents charity Appin Hall Children’s Foundation and practices as a naturopath in Northcote.
Lauren’s autobiography, Fighting Spirit was listed in the Sydney Morning Herald as the number one best selling sports book. She has recently released and self published her latest book Food from a Loving Home, a collection of vegetarian recipes. This book is a sharing of Lauren’s favourite recipes, her knowledge about creating tasty wholesome and exciting meals along with home remedies and kitchen cupboard cures using ingredients found in any kitchen.
Lauren’s own design of the Zip Bag, under the umbrella company Love Your Planet.
The idea was born from a handy fold out bag she found in an op shop, reminding her of one her Nana owned. With the rapid rise in plastic bag use, she thought it was a perfect time to reinvent this little gem.
The success of the green bag clearly demonstrates changing attitudes but certainly isn’t first choice for the catwalk! The zip bag is stylish and fashionable along with being highly practical. The pattern provides a beauty of nature combined with the symbol of the heart pattern representing love, happiness and creating a harmonious world. It is a must for every handbag.