Laura O'Driscoll

Our ambassadors

Our athletes

Laura grew up with trainers on her feet. After spending her childhood competing in sprint events, she was gradually drawn to the mountains and the outdoors. Trained as an architect and teacher, her restless spirit and thirst for adventure led her to travel to all four corners of the world, building a professional portfolio she is passionate about: yoga teacher, coach, creator, physiotherapy practitioner… our Irish athlete throws herself heart and soul into every project she takes on. Laura takes great pleasure in training and pushing forward the enthusiasts she works with. A lover of outdoor sports, Laura is never bored — she practises mountain running, trail running, cycling, mountain biking, hiking and kayaking.

Key Achievement

Dynafit TransAlpine-Run Solo (AUT) 2023 1st female
2023 World Mountain and trail Running Championships (WMTRC) Innsbruck - shorts trail
Irish National Adventure Racing Champion 2023, 2022, 2019, 2018.
Waterville trail Festival (3 mountain marathons) 2023 1st female, 2nd overall
Bluestack Ultra 50k 2023 1st female, 2nd overall
Irish National 50km Champion 2020, 2019 (3rd in 2022).
Seven sisters Skyline 55km: 1st female, 2019
Kerry Way ultra lite 1st female, 2020
Cape Wrath Ultra Scotland (400km, 10,000m +, over 8 days) 1st female, 2022

Future projects

Maurice Mullins 50k
Annapurna Himal Stage Race April 2024 (An 8-day stage race in the Himalayas, at altitude, covering approximately 265 km and 11,000 m of elevation gain, not including a 3-day acclimatisation trek or the 120 km on foot with 8,000 m of elevation gain to return to Kathmandu).
Rab 14 Peaks Ultra 52k
Dragons Back Stage Race September 2024 (380 km, 6-day ultra race across Wales)
Wicklow Way 127 km
Mountain Leader certification

Interview with Laura O'Driscoll

3 words that define you as an athlete?

Adventurous - Joyful - Determined.

3 values that define you as a person?

Gratitude - Humility - Positivity.

Why do you feel you belong to the Cimalp family?

It is with humility that I am part of the CIMALP family. I have respect and admiration for what they have created and continue to build with the brand. From the moment I met some of the team members, I already felt like part of the family. There is a genuine sense of care and respect for the individual and for nature that is truly unique. They are passionate about the mountains, which, wherever I go, have always made me feel at home. I feel at home with CIMALP.

Your best and worst memory in the mountains and why?

Best memory: I finished the Cape Wrath Ultra in 2022, after 8 days of racing and hiking in the worst conditions Scotland had seen in years (we even made the national news!). I injured my ankle on the third day, and through sheer courage, stubbornness and determination, I crossed the finish line, first woman, completely overwhelmed! Worst memory: No bad memories, just experiences that could have gone wrong, and reminders to always respect the mountains and nature.

What do the mountains inspire in you?

The mountains inspire me to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable, but I know that step by step, everything is achievable. They give me humility when I reach the summit, and gratitude for what I can experience and do with my body. I am passionate about sharing my mountain experience with others, which is why I am currently working towards my mountain leader qualification, which will allow me to confidently bring more people into my playground.

What is your relationship with the environment and ecology?

Sustainable design has always been one of my passions. But also respecting the parts of nature that are best left untouched. In a way, that's what drew me away from architecture and towards outdoor living and experimentation. I try to leave the smallest footprint possible in the world, and to share my love and appreciation of nature with others. I try to put those values into practice in everything I do, minimising waste and my impact on the world.

Another great passion / talent beyond sport?

Movement and the human body. I am passionate about helping people move with as little effort as possible, whether through yoga, technical running coaching or physical therapy. - Sustainable design. I wrote my master's thesis in architecture on Tiny Homes.