Laurel is a three-time Ironman champion and has raced professionally since 2008. She is the first cancer survivor to win a professional triathlon and in 2017 became the first cancer survivor to win an Ironman title by winning Ironman Taiwan. Laurel earned a swimming scholarship to The George Washington University.

She bought her first bike, a steel road bike, and started triathlon training after she graduated. But, before she could get to a race, she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. After successfully coming through treatment, Laurel turned back to triathlon and became the first cancer survivor to become a pro triathlete, a story that was documented in a Nike TV commercial and print campaign. Laurel received the USA Triathlon Rookie of the Year award in 2008 and has gone on to multiple wins and podiums every year since then.

In addition to racing and training, Laurel founded and publishes a popular blog with her sister Rebeccah, www.AthleteFood.com, and instagram @athletefood where they share healthy recipes, workout ideas, travel and race reports.