Lara Johnson: Running Full Circle Back to Lifesaving
In life, sometimes the path back is just as meaningful as the one forward. Lara Johnson’s journey through lifesaving, track, and back to lifesaving is a powerful reminder of the beauty of community, perseverance, and passion for sport.
Sandy Toes & Nipper Sundays
Lara’s story began as a Nipper at Clifton, where she fell in love with the ocean, the competition, and the friendships that formed every Sunday on the sand.
“Nippers meant being able to live your best life every Sunday,” Lara recalls. “It was the ultimate mix of fun, freedom, and learning skills that actually mattered. I loved the energy, the racing, and just being part of something bigger.”
Her talent in lifesaving was clear early on. In 2015, Lara was selected for the Lifesaving Western Cape Nipper team, which went on to win the Interprovincial Championships that year. The team was coached by Clifton’s Head of Sport, James Thomson—someone who would become a familiar face when Lara made her return to lifesaving years later.
The Shift to Track
Like many young athletes, Lara found herself drawn to a new challenge—track and field. Her speed on the sand translated well onto the track, and she soon began excelling in athletics.
“I started track at 17 in high school after doing lifesaving until I was 15,” Lara shares. “I was doing quite well in track, but the competition in track and field was a lot tougher than in lifesaving. That drove me to focus on athletics more.”
Her commitment to track took her into university, where she trained and competed at a high level. However, injuries began to take their toll, and she found herself falling out of love with the sport.
“When I got to university, I started getting injured consistently. The sport wasn’t bringing me joy anymore, so I decided to return to lifesaving. I knew that lifesaving was the reason I started running in the first place, and I knew it would strengthen and condition me better than anything else.”
A Triumphant Return to Lifesaving
And so, in 2024, Lara returned to the sport she once loved—and she didn’t just return; she thrived. In her first year back, Lara achieved remarkable success, making it into the Western Cape Lifesaving Team, winning the Sprint title at the Interprovincial Championships, and securing second place in the Sprints at the National Championships. It was clear: the same drive and resilience that made her successful in track were now propelling her to new heights in lifesaving.
And when she returned to Clifton, James ‘Jonty’ Thomson—who had once coached her as a Nipper—was now leading the club’s high-performance athletes. “It was great seeing Jonty again,” Lara says. “It was a full-circle moment for me, going from being a Nipper in his team to competing at a high level in lifesaving as a senior.”
The Comeback is Just the Beginning
Lara’s return to lifesaving is more than just a personal victory—it’s a reminder that this sport offers something rare. Whether you’re chasing competition, fitness, or a sense of belonging, lifesaving delivers. But for Lara, it’s not just about winning titles; it’s about being part of something bigger.
“Lifesaving has a huge support network, and it’s about more than just competing,” she explains. “There are so many incredible people around you who lift you up. That’s the essence of the sport. I’m looking forward to seeing how it evolves and meeting more amazing people along the way.”
Now, in 2025, Lara is back at the top, selected once again for the Lifesaving Western Cape Team and setting her sights on the National Champs. But the journey doesn’t stop there—Morrocco 2026 and the Lifesaving World Championships are calling.
For those thinking about joining—or rejoining—the sport, Lara’s story says it all. There’s always room for another chapter.
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