As a kid Lara started running for South Eastern Little Athletics club in under 10 age group, while playing many other sports on the side. After doing little athletics for one season she decided to stop to pursue her other likes of sports like soccer, touch, aus-tag, softball, hockey and surf club (beach sprints, flags, R & R) while still competing for her school in athletics and cross country events.
As a member of Coogee surf club she competed at the Australian surf lifesaving Championships in 2001-2003 being a finalist in U19 beach sprints and flag events. At age 16 she decided to go back to athletics with the encouragement from a friend who wanted to train for race walking. Making this decision she chose to join the training squad of Anne Saville. Anne had a great influence on her and even till this day Lara see her like a second mother, someone you can go to for advice. Ann deserves a lot of the credit for her staying in the sport. She gave her so much support and encouragement.
In 2003 Lara joined the squad of Ken Green which was a big jump in volume and opened her eyes to senior type of training. Since that time Ken has taken her under his wing, helping and guiding her to improvement. Currently Lara is attending university with completing a Diploma in Education in which she will combine her exercise with science degree to become a PD/H/PE teacher. Outside athletics she enjoys hanging out with friends, the beach, football, snow boarding and enjoying a good food.