ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT | Laura McDonald
Laura McDonald
Queen of Clash | Queen of Camps
Andy: Hey Laura! Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us today! It’s been so great getting to know you better over the past year(has it really only been about a year- feels like forever! Either way, let’s dive in! You joined AP Racing last year and came to our swim and ski camp. Unfortunately, you had a pretty serious accident. But, you’ve made an incredible comeback. What was your injury and can you walk us through your recovery process, and what were some of the key moments or challenges that shaped your return to racing?"
Laura: In an unlucky turn of events, I blew my ACL and tore my meniscus at the Ski and Swim Camp in 2024. It was my first AP camp, my first run of the day, on my first day at camp so I was embarrassed- especially because I am a Colorado native who grew up skiing. I booked surgery fast—my season was done, and the recovery road was long. With my doc and PT, we set a big goal: IM 70.3 Worlds in December, 10 months post-op. Bold? Yep. Possible? Maybe.
The early weeks were rough—crutches, 6 hours a day in a leg-bending machine, zero endorphins. Mentally and physically brutal. PT was painful, and the home workouts mattered a lot. Luckily (or not), I’ve been through this before. Head down, trust the process, and grind.
I was biking a month in, swimming soon after, but no running for 6 months—that part hurt the most. In the end, it was time, grit, and an awesome team that got me through..
Andy: What were some of the biggest mental hurdles you had to overcome during your recovery, and how did you stay motivated throughout the process? How did the APR team support you during this time?"
Laura: The mental game was the toughest part—staying positive while friends kept training and racing, and I was stuck on the couch. A friend gave me REBOUND and the Injured Athletes Club podcast, which were total lifesavers. I leaned hard on my people—family, friends, my awesome PT—who gave me the right mix of tough love and support.
Some days I was frustrated, sad, or straight-up mad—but I reminded myself it was temporary. Just an ACL. It could’ve been worse. And shoutout to the AP crew (especially Daniel and Andy!) for the constant check-ins and hype. Helped keep my head in the game and my eyes on the comeback.
Andy: You’ve been part of several Andy Potts Racing training camps. How have these camps helped in your recovery and preparation for this season? Are there any specific sessions or takeaways that stood out to you?” Do you have a favorite camp so far?
Laura: AP camps are simply the best. Park City in summer 2024 was a huge turning point for me—I still couldn’t run, but I biked, swam, learned, and met awesome teammates. It was the first time post-surgery I truly felt like an athlete again.
Each camp has its own vibe, and I honestly can’t pick a favorite. Ski & swim camp was a blast—even with the injury, I swam and made great new connections. And Chula Vista- The perfect pre-Clash Miami boost. I felt strong, confident, and that crit/track brick workout? Chef’s kiss. Pushed past my limits and loved it.
What makes AP camps so special is the combo of hard training, great people, and learning from the best—Andy and Daniel drop pure gold if you show up ready to listen and go all in. It’s community, growth, and fun all wrapped into one.
Andy: You were previously part of Team TBT, who we absolutely love and support. A few of your teammates came over to AP Racing in recent years, can you explain why you decided to join AP Racing instead of all of the other teams out there? How has it been?
Laura: Team TriBike had built something special, and when we realized it was ending, we were determined to stick together. I went into full panic-mode, reaching out to tons of teams—and Andy and Daniel were the first to respond. Within a week, I was on the phone with Daniel, asking all the questions and instantly falling in love with AP Racing.
They welcomed the whole TBT crew with open arms and made the transition super smooth with Angela and Marc. Their “do epic sh** with cool people” vibe? Yeah, that hit home. Now with camps, coaching, awesome gear, and even more amazing people—we couldn’t be happier. AP feels like the perfect fit.
Andy: Walk us through your race- when did you know you had the overall ‘W’?
Laura: Clash Miami—what a way to kick off the season! It was my first time racing this quirky middle distance, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The swim was solid—two laps in a choppy little lake, but not too crowded. The bike? So fun. Tons of turns (note to self: work on bike handling 😅), but also some long straightaways to hammer, and the closed roads were a dream.
The run was hot, humid, and part of it was on the racetrack, which felt spicy. I ditched the watch and raced by feel, trusting my training. It paid off—even when the run felt tough, I kept telling myself: Why not be great? Why not be legendary? (Thanks, Pat Surtain II).
With so many events happening at once, I had no clue what place I was in… until an official shouted, “You’re the first female!” as I rounded the final corner. Cue the kick, huge smile, and me trying to look halfway human at the finish line. What. A. Day.
Andy: As you look ahead to the upcoming season, what are your main goals, both personally and as a member of Andy Potts Racing? How do you balance your training, racing and your professional life as I a high-powered attorney(it seems like you are ‘all-in’ on everything you do!?
Laura: After nearly a year away, I’m just so stoked to be back racing! My big goal? Kona qualification—taking a swing at it in Ottawa this August. As part of AP Racing, I’m all about meeting teammates around the world, showing up big for the squad, and keeping Daniel and Andy on their toes with my antics 😄
I’d love to help bring more awesome humans into the AP crew—camps, races, all of it. Life balance? Still figuring that one out (aren’t we all?), but I’m 100% in on living fully: train hard, race harder, laugh a lot, and hopefully leave things a little better than I found them. Let’s go!
Andy: Given your experience in triathlon and with teams, do you have any advice you would give other athletes?? What lessons can they take away from your journey?
Laura: Have fun and don’t b*** out* 😄. Find your “why,” chase what makes you happy, and don’t be afraid to push your limits—that’s where the magic happens, on and off the course.
Triathlon’s way more fun with a crew, and I’ve met some of my best friends through this sport. So if you’re looking for a team that supports your goals and brings the good vibes… join AP Racing. You won’t regret it!