Lachlan McKinnon
Current role: Marketing Technology and Analytics Manager
Current organisation: Allens Law Firm
What sport did you hold a scholarship for at VIS: Rowing
Time as VIS athlete: 2010-2016
Tell us about your life after your time at the VIS?
I got my start in media production and videography at the VIS through producing the Unsinkable: Race to Recovery and Road to Rio web video series. It subsequently gave me the opportunity to work at two Olympic Games with the Australian Olympic Committee (2016, 2018). I then spent six years working in financial services at Findex as their media producer, then grew and lead a team of videographers and most recently pivoted into marketing technology and digital marketing. I now work at Allens law firm as their Marketing Technology and Analytics Manager.
What is your proudest sporting achievement?
Returning to rowing from numerous injuries, including a bulged disc in my lower back, to win a national championship in the men’s club four in 2014 and leaving the sport on my terms.
What is your proudest moment outside of sport?
Getting back into community sport as an assistant coach at my local football club, Melbourne High School Old Boys Football Club (MHSOBFC), and helping their U/19s team to get the most out of themselves individually and as a group. I subsequently took on the Football Operations Manager role and have led a wide range of initiatives on and off the field including establishing a mental health and wellbeing program, upgrade oval lights and build goal nets. I felt extremely worn down and dispassionate about sport after retiring as an athlete but it helped me find my spark again and recognise the value it can play in people’s lives.
What is the most valuable lesson you learnt during your time at the VIS?
Sport is best enjoyed with a sense of balance and perspective. You can achieve wonderful things when you are multi-dimensional as a person with a diverse range of interests and passions and strong network of people around you. It also helps to prepare you for the rollercoaster journey that often occurs in elite and professional sport.
