Brenda toasts Jacqui's success | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

Brenda Anderson of Byron Bay shows off the press articles about her grand-daughter Jacqui Lawrence's silver medal success at th

Brenda Anderson of Byron Bay always knew her grand-daughter Jacqui was destined for big things.

"She was a high achiever and loved sport," the 84-year-old said.

Jacqui is none other than Jacqui Lawrence from Old Bonalbo - the Olympic silver medallist in the K1 whitewater kayak slalom event at the recent Beijing Games.

Due to ill health, Brenda was unable to go to Beijing to watch Jacqui perform, but she was glued to her television set and her mobile phone throughout the games.

"It's lucky that I've learnt to send text messages because Jacqui's mum Sarah was keeping me constantly up-to-date with what was happening in Beijing," Brenda said.

"In fact I knew how Jacqui was going before it was even on the TV."

Brenda said she thought that Jacqui would at least win bronze, but when she got silver it was 'just amazing'.

The medal represents years of hard work by Jacqui and her family who have supported her every step of the way.

It was Jacqui's father Laurie Lawrence (no, not the swim coach Laurie Lawrence) who first introduced Jacqui, 26, and her two sisters Rosalyn, 19, and Kate 25, to kayaking.

Kate and Rosalyn are also kayaking champions, with Kate the 2008 World Cup champion and Rosalyn the NSW champion.

Laurie, a school teacher at Bonalbo Central, was always interested in sport and the girls would practise their kayaking on the family dam.

Brenda said the family, as well as dozens of students from the local schools, got heavily involved in the sport and would travel around the country competing.

She said the Bonalbo and Old Bonalbo community had provided incredible support to the family.

"This silver medal is not just a medal for Jacqui," Brenda said.

"It's a medal for the entire community.

"It's very typical of tiny, little communities to find that spirit and provide support."

Brenda said that Kate and Rosalyn hoped to both compete at the Olympics in London in 2012.

She said she was not sure about Jacqui's plans yet.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful if all three sisters competed together," Brenda said.

"I have spoken to Jacqui since she got home, and I hope to see her in about three weeks.

"I'm going to order a case of champagne and get my friends from the retirement village over.

"I'll get the old girls tiddly and we'll toast to Jacqui's success."