National Careers Week 2022: Harry Laidlaw pursues parallel career outside the gates

Celebrations for National Career Week (16-22 May) continue, with recently retired snowsports athletes including two-time Olympian James Matheson and four-time Paralympian Mitch Gourley among those participating in the series of events organised by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to support high-performance athletes, offering insights on career preparation and transitioning into life after sport. 

National Alpine Ski Team member Harry Laidlaw is one of the Australian skiers currently juggle training commitments with the pursuit of an education. A Winter Olympian with four World Cup starts and two World Championships participations under his skis, Laidlaw is no stranger to dealing with high-pressure situations and is looking to transfer his skills towards a paramedic career after skiing.

“I am currently studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine to become a paramedic, but I am also open to other health care sectors. My goal is to one day be able to add value to the community,” said the 26-year-old athlete.

Despite the challenge of finding balance between training and studying, Laidlaw said having other interests and commitments outside of sport is very important for his mental health.

“It allows me to focus on a passion that is completely disassociated with my career as a skier, and it gives my brain a means to switch off, particularly if I have had a bad training or competition day,” he said.

Laidlaw went through a tough period while in Europe during the 2020-21 season, first getting COVID-19 and then rupturing his ACL in training, an injury that kept him off snow for almost nine months. Studying became a way to keep his mind fresh and explore interests outside of sport, as well as keeping his morale up during a time when all his teammates were still travelling to compete. 

Over the years, being a student-athlete also helped the Mt Hotham Racing Squad skier with developing transferable skills that he is now able to use in his life outside the gates.

“Things like time management, work ethic and general life admin whilst juggling study, sport, and self-funding a dream,” said Laidlaw, grateful to have a tight-knit group of family and friends who also play a big part in the success of his student-athlete balancing act. 

Outside of his primary support network, Laidlaw added that University of Victoria’s support has been crucial to his career.

“They have been amazing in assisting me both athletically and academically,” he said. 

“University has allowed me to meet people that I wouldn't have otherwise and it gave me a broader perspective on life outside of sport.”