Brief Introduction of Kaitlyn Lawes
Lesley Kaitlyn Lawes is a highly accomplished Canadian curler from Winnipeg, Manitoba, celebrated for her remarkable success on the national and international stage. A two-time Olympic gold medallist, Lawes has established herself as one of the most decorated and recognizable figures in the sport. She first captured global attention as the third for the Jennifer Jones rink, which won gold at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics, completing the tournament with a perfect, undefeated record. Four years later, she made history again by winning the inaugural Olympic gold medal in mixed doubles curling with partner John Morris at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. This victory made her the first Canadian curler to win two Olympic gold medals in two different disciplines. Beyond her Olympic triumphs, Lawes’s career is highlighted by a World Championship title, a Scotties Tournament of Hearts victory, and numerous Grand Slam titles, cementing her legacy as a formidable and influential athlete in Canadian curling history.
Kaitlyn Lawes Overview
| Full Name | Lesley Kaitlyn Lawes |
| Date of Birth | December 16, 1988 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 37 |
| Birthplace | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada |
| Profession | Professional Curler |
| Husband/Wife | Stephan Vigier (Partner) |
| Family | Cheryl Lawes (Mother), Keith Lawes (Father, deceased), Kevin Lawes (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Information not disclosed |
Early Life and Education of Kaitlyn Lawes
Kaitlyn Lawes was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to Cheryl and Keith Lawes. Growing up in a sports-oriented family, she was introduced to curling at the tender age of four. Her father, Keith, was a competitive curler himself and her greatest supporter, fostering her love for the game from a very young age. He had moved the family to Winnipeg from Ottawa, Ontario, and became a stay-at-home father, dedicating his time to raising Kaitlyn and her brother, Kevin. This environment allowed Lawes to immerse herself in various sports, though curling quickly became her passion. She spent countless hours at the curling club with her parents, who were both active in league play. A pivotal and tragic event in her early life was the passing of her father from a brain tumour in November 2007, when she was just 18. Devastated by the loss of her number one fan, Lawes considered quitting the sport altogether. However, with the encouragement of her family and teammates, she persevered, channeling her grief into a profound motivation to succeed in his honor. This period marked a significant turning point, instilling in her a resilience that would define her career. For her formal education, Lawes attended the University of Manitoba, where she studied Nutritional Sciences on a part-time basis from 2006 to 2009. She later also took communications courses at Athabasca University.
Kaitlyn Lawes’s Career
Kaitlyn Lawes’s curling career is a story of exceptional talent, relentless drive, and historic achievements. Her journey from a junior prodigy to an Olympic and World champion has solidified her status as one of Canada’s greatest curlers.
Junior Career Success
Lawes first made a name for herself as a formidable skip in the junior ranks. Just months after her father’s passing, she led her team to victory at the 2008 Manitoba Junior Women’s Championship. This emotional win propelled her team to the 2008 Canadian Junior Curling Championships, where they claimed the national title. Representing Canada at the World Junior Curling Championships, she won a bronze medal in 2008 and followed it up with a silver medal in 2009, after winning her second consecutive Canadian Junior Championship. This early success as a skip showcased her leadership and immense potential on the ice.
Joining Team Jones and Olympic Glory
In 2010, Lawes made a pivotal career move by joining Jennifer Jones’s established rink as the third. The partnership proved to be a dominant force in women’s curling. The team, which also included Jill Officer at second and Dawn McEwen at lead, quickly found chemistry. They went on to win the 2013 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, earning the right to represent Canada at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. At the Sochi Games, Team Jones achieved a historic feat, becoming the first women’s team to go through the entire Olympic tournament undefeated, posting a perfect 11-0 record en route to the gold medal. This remarkable accomplishment was Canada’s first Olympic gold in women’s curling since 1998 and cemented Lawes’s place on the world stage. The team’s success continued with a victory at the 2015 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Canada’s national women’s championship, and a silver medal at the 2015 World Women’s Curling Championship.
Historic Mixed Doubles Gold and World Championship
Lawes continued to break new ground at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang. Teaming up with John Morris, she competed in the inaugural mixed doubles curling event. The pair dominated the competition, defeating Switzerland in the final to capture the gold medal. This victory made Lawes and Morris the first Canadian curlers in history to win two Olympic gold medals. Fresh off her Olympic triumph, Lawes rejoined Team Jones for the 2018 World Women’s Curling Championship. Despite having played with a hernia through the Olympics, she seamlessly stepped back into her third position. The team went undefeated throughout the tournament, capturing the World Championship title and capping off an extraordinary season for Lawes.
Transition to Skip of Team Lawes
After a long and successful tenure, Team Jones announced they would be parting ways following the 2021-22 season. This led to the formation of a new team for the 2022-23 season, with Lawes taking on the role of skip for the first time in her senior career. The new lineup featured Selena Njegovan at third, Jocelyn Peterman at second, and Kristin MacCuish at lead. The transition marked a new chapter in her career, embracing the challenges and strategic responsibilities of leading her own team. The team has since been a competitive force on the tour, qualifying for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts and consistently ranking among the top teams in the world.
Kaitlyn Lawes Personal Life & Family
Kaitlyn Lawes’s personal life is grounded in her family and her roots in Manitoba. She is in a long-term relationship with her partner, Stephan Vigier, a former professional ice hockey player. Vigier also hails from Manitoba and had a career that saw him play in various leagues, including the AHL and ECHL. The couple has two daughters. Their first child, Myla, was born in late 2022. Their second daughter, Ella, was born in November 2024. Lawes’s family has always been a cornerstone of her life and career. She shares a close bond with her mother, Cheryl, and her brother, Kevin. The memory of her late father, Keith, remains a powerful source of inspiration for her. She has often spoken about his influence on her love for curling and how she plays in his honor. In tribute to him, she is a vocal supporter of the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, using her platform to raise awareness and support for the cause. When not on the curling ice, Lawes enjoys spending time outdoors, with fishing being one of her favorite off-season activities. She currently resides with her family in Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba.
Awards and Achievements of Kaitlyn Lawes
- Olympic Winter Games Gold Medal (Women’s Team): 2014
- Olympic Winter Games Gold Medal (Mixed Doubles): 2018
- World Women’s Curling Championship Gold Medal: 2018
- World Women’s Curling Championship Silver Medal: 2015
- Scotties Tournament of Hearts Champion: 2015
- Scotties Tournament of Hearts Silver Medal: 2011, 2013
- Scotties Tournament of Hearts Bronze Medal: 2012, 2016, 2020
- Canadian Olympic Curling Trials Winner: 2013
- Canadian Mixed Doubles Olympic Trials Winner: 2018
- Canada Cup Winner: 2018
- World Junior Curling Championships Silver Medal: 2009
- World Junior Curling Championships Bronze Medal: 2008
- Canadian Junior Curling Champion: 2008, 2009
- Grand Slam of Curling Titles: 10
- Named 7th Greatest Canadian Curler in History by TSN (2019)
Kaitlyn Lawes Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, the specific net worth of Kaitlyn Lawes is not publicly available. Her income is derived from multiple sources, including prize money from her numerous victories in prestigious events like the Grand Slam of Curling series, the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, and World Championships. Additionally, as a high-profile athlete in Canada, her income is supplemented by funding from national sport organizations such as Curling Canada. A significant portion of her earnings also comes from corporate sponsorships, endorsements, and speaking engagements, where she shares her experiences as an Olympic champion. While exact figures are not disclosed, her sustained success at the elite level of a major Canadian sport suggests a financially successful career.
Legacy and Influence
Kaitlyn Lawes has built a legacy that extends far beyond her extensive collection of medals. Her impact on the sport of curling is characterized by her historic Olympic achievements, her versatility as a player, and her resilience in the face of personal adversity. As the first Canadian curler to win two Olympic gold medals, one in the traditional team event and another in the debut of mixed doubles, she has played a significant role in popularizing the latter discipline in Canada and around the world. Her perfect run at the 2014 Sochi Olympics with Team Jones is regarded as one of the most dominant performances in the sport’s history, setting a new standard for excellence. Lawes is also admired for her public vulnerability regarding the loss of her father, turning a personal tragedy into a story of inspiration and strength that resonates with many fans. Her transition from a long-time third to skipping her own elite team demonstrates her deep understanding of the game and her continuous drive to challenge herself. Through her advocacy for the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada, she has used her public image to champion a cause deeply personal to her, influencing others to contribute to the community.
Interesting Facts about Kaitlyn Lawes
- She started curling in a family fun bonspiel at just four years old and won.
- Kaitlyn and her 2018 Olympic mixed doubles partner, John Morris, were both born on December 16th in Winnipeg, exactly ten years apart.
- She is the first curler to win an Olympic gold medal in two consecutive Winter Games.
- Her father, Keith Lawes, was also a competitive curler who represented Newfoundland at the 1969 Macdonald Brier.
- She played through both the 2018 Olympics and the 2018 World Championships with an inguinal hernia, winning gold at both events before undergoing surgery.
- In a 2019 TSN poll, she was voted the seventh greatest Canadian curler in history by a panel of broadcasters, reporters, and top curlers.
- Her half-sister, Andrea Lawes, was a member of the Ontario team that won the 1990 Scott Tournament of Hearts.
Controversies
Kaitlyn Lawes’s career has been notably free of major public controversies. She has maintained a professional and widely respected image throughout her time in the sport. The only instances that have drawn significant public discussion were not of her making, but rather related to policy decisions by curling’s governing bodies that affected her team, such as rules around pregnancy exemptions for major competitions. In these situations, her team has engaged in public statements to advocate for fair and clear policies for all athletes.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – (@lkaitlynlawes) – Approximately 21.6k followers
- Twitter – (@LKLawes) – Approximately 37.9k followers
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Kaitlyn Lawes
Kaitlyn Lawes continues to be a central figure in the world of elite curling. As the skip of her own team, she has embraced a new set of challenges, leading a formidable lineup with her sights set on future national and international glory. Her journey from being an integral part of the legendary Team Jones to forging her own path as a skip speaks to her enduring passion and ambition. Having already secured a place in curling history with her two Olympic gold medals and numerous other titles, her focus remains on competing at the highest level. Her legacy is not only defined by her victories but also by her resilience, leadership, and her role as an inspiration for aspiring curlers across Canada and beyond. The Kaitlyn Lawes biography is one of perseverance and unparalleled success.