Ran Laurie

William George Ranald Mundell Laurie (4 May 1915 – 19 September 1998), known as Ran Laurie, was a British physician, rowing champion, and Olympic gold medallist. His youngest son is the actor and writer Hugh Laurie.

Rowing career

Ran Laurie was born in Grantchester, Cambridgeshire, in 1915. A member of Leander rowing club, Laurie began his rowing career at Monkton Combe School, and continued rowing when he attended Selwyn College, Cambridge in 1933, where he was a member of the Hermes Club.

A. P. McEldowney, the chronicler of Selwyn rowing and founder of UL Boat Club, said of Laurie: "This year (1933) there arrived at Selwyn a Freshman who was not only the most famous oarsman Selwyn ever had, but also one of the most famous Great Britain ever had — WGRM Laurie. And we can truly claim him as a Selwyn oarsman. He had always told me he learnt all his rowing from Taffy Jones at Monkton Combe School. And where but Selwyn did Taffy learn his rowing?"

Laurie rowed for Cambridge in the 1934, 1935, and 1936 races, all of which were won by Cambridge. He was in the boat with Jack Wilson, who was to become his rowing partner later in their careers. At the 1936 Olympics, he rowed as Stroke in Great Britain's eight, the team eventually finishing in fourth place. Together, Laurie and Wilson, rowing for Leander Club, won the Silver Goblets at Henley Royal Regatta in 1938.