Waikato duxes — Where are they now?

able to pursue her dream of being a fulltime runner. Lawrie is currently being trained by Chris Williams, the father of New Zealand’s most successful female sprinter, Monique Williams.

Lawrie said several of her high school friends felt pressured to pursue careers they didn’t want to. If there was any advice she could offer to students, it would be to relax.

‘‘You can make mistakes and you can change your mind, so don’t take yourself too seriously. Follow what you’re passionate about.’’