Lavrans Solli
Born February 21, 1992 in Oslo, Norway Lavrans Solli is an Olympic sprint specialist. Primarily a backstroke swimmer, Solli is also a great sprint freestyler — Solli competed in his first Olympic Games in 2012, and is on his way to qualifying for Rio. In addition to swimming Solli is married with a daughter, and is also a fashion model in his home country of Norway.
2012 London Olympics
Prior to the London Olympics, Solli was not necessarily a household swimming name. He was largely unheard of going into London, but had the advantage of coming from swimming’s powerhouse club, Bergesvommerne. His time of 55.00 in the preliminary heats of the 100-meter backstroke, finished 6th in his heat, but wasn’t good enough to advance to the semi’s.
2014
Solli was selected to Norway’s small roster of only seven swimmers who would compete at the 2014 World Short Course Swimming Championships. Solli was Norway’s only real hope of winning a medal, especially considering his aptitude towards short course swimming. He finished 8th in the 50-meter back, coming close to breaking the 23-second barrier. Solli also took 14th in the 100-meter back, four spots away from advancing to the championship final.
At 22 years old Solli was selected to the 2014 European Championship squad, where he went on to swim a new Norwegian and Nordic Record in the 50-meter back. His record was done in the semi-final of the 50 back, dropping more than half-a-second from the preliminary heats to do so.
2015 World Championships
Solli had some confidence entering the 2015 World Championships in Kazan after having a successful season including breaking his own 200-meter backstroke at the Norwegian Short Course National Championships. He was one of just three swimmers to make the roster for the 2015 World Championships, aside headliner Sarah Sjostrom.
Solli finished 6th in the championship of the 50-meter back after just barely squeaking after coming in 8th in the semi’s. Although he finaled in the 50, Solli finished 34th in the 100-meter back and 21st in the 200-meter back.