Miss Riom Lawrence won second place in the age 14 & Under Division at the 2024 USAWP Junior Olympics in Dallas, Texas. The USAWP Junior Olympics is an annual amateur youth athletic competition that is hosted by the United States of America Water Polo organization as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Over 150 teams were scheduled at eight aquatic centers from age 10 to age 18 for this year’s event. Lawrence competed as a guest athlete for the St. Louis Lions Water Polo Club at the USAWP Junior Olympics which began competition on August 1, and concluded on August 4, for the championship round. “No, we did not win first this year but last year we almost finished in last place” explained Lawrence. Within the Dallas metro area, USAWP scheduled the St. Louis Lions to play at aquatic centers from Garland, Texas to SMU (Southern Methodist University) to Carroll, Texas. “These young ladies really worked hard and earned their medals” stated St. Louis Lions Head Coach Rob Peglar as he proudly held the team trophy.
Lawrence practices at the Dynamo Swim Center in Chamblee, Georgia. She competes regularly in Atlanta and plans to continue competing at water polo tournaments in Florida. Lawrence previously participated in the Southeast Region Olympic Development Program (ODP).
Miss Lawrence’s parents are Mr. Ronald Lawrence, Swainsboro High School graduate, and Mrs. Leigh Lawrence of Cleveland, Ohio, and the granddaughter of Rev. Richard Lawrence Jr. and Mrs. Edna Lawrence of Summertown.
