Canadian Bobsledder Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence at the Milan Cortina Games
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy (AP) — At the Milan Cortina Games, Canadian bobsledder Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence is taking center stage. Born in 1993, his unique name pays homage to basketball legends Shaquille O’Neal and Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, who famously played together for the Orlando Magic and claimed Olympic gold together in 1996. Now, while Murray-Lawrence is not dominating the bobsled run as his namesakes did on the basketball court, he has achieved the distinction of becoming an Olympian, even if his team currently sits in 15th place after the first two runs of the two-man event.
“This moment is incredibly meaningful for me, my nation, my friends, and my family,” said Murray-Lawrence. “Being able to give my all and represent Canada is what matters most to me today.”
From Football to Bobsledding
Standing at around 5-foot-8, Murray-Lawrence took a different sports route than his towering namesake, O’Neal. Initially drawn to football, he faced challenges in his athletic career. Despite numerous outreach attempts to college coaches, he found himself at a junior college in Texas, which unfortunately closed shortly after. Subsequently, he transferred to another junior college and then to UNLV, where although he averaged an impressive 7 yards per carry, he was mostly remembered for carrying what was dubbed the longest name in the school’s history.
His journey eventually led him to the Canadian Football League and, interestingly, caught the attention of Bobsled Canada.
Murray-Lawrence reflects on the hopes his father harbored for him: “My dad was a huge Shaq fan and dreamed that I would someday grow to that height, dominating in basketball. Though I may not have hit those heights, I believe I’ve been gifted with incredible speed, heart, and pride, which is what I need.”
Legacy and Future Aspirations
In Olympic history, names like Shaquille have surfaced before. One such example includes Zambian swimmer Shaquille Moosa, who competed in the 50-meter race at the Tokyo Games, finishing 56th out of 73. There’s also Greek basketball player Sofoklis Schortsanitis, affectionately known as “Baby Shaq,” who represented Greece in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Shaquille Anfernee Murray-Lawrence is optimistic for the future and even shared his excitement about potentially meeting O’Neal if he attends the games.
“It’s a strong name with a rich legacy, and I’m proud to carry it forward. Even though basketball isn’t my sport, I’ve found success in two others, and I think that’s pretty commendable.”
As he pushes down the bobsled track, this athlete embodies not just an athletic pursuit but also a connection to the legends of sports history.
