Portland : Pearl District

Lauren Thies

Multnomah Athletic Club

Sun and surf initiated Lauren's early love for the water off the California and Oregon coasts. She enjoyed the weightlessness and harmony of the water and decided to launch her competitive swim career at the age of eight. After many hours of practice in the pool Lauren started making headway in State, Regional and National meets competing in all four strokes. She realized her gift and began teaching in high school which progressed to college summer camps and private lessons. After a lower back injury in college she learned the powerful healing of yoga and has encouraged it among her swimmers as well as practicing it herself. Today Lauren finds a wonderful balance between practicing, competing and teaching swimming. She has found success as both a teenager and adult adding two 2007 U.S. National Swimming titles to her previous three. Swimming has allowed some amazing travel opportunities in Canada, France, Italy, Australia and Brazil. Her favorite yoga practice is Bikram Power Vinyasa as it combines a great balance of meditation and rhythm.